His comrades were thunder-struck apparently, but they admitted that in all likelihood Frank's surmise was correct.
"Then, boys," said Frank, "we shall open a devil hole right here where we sit."
This proposal was agreed to, and the work would have commenced the very next day had not a strange adventure happened to Frank.
It may be observed that mostly all the terrible adventures did happen to Frank. Some people are born unlucky, you know.
But next forenoon Duncan and he had gone towards the forest for the purpose of shooting hyenas, no great or very exalted sport, it is true, but they had become numerous and bold of late, and needed scattering.
Duncan had followed a wounded monster some distance for the sake of giving him his congé, when he came back---- lo! Frank was gone.
For hours and hours Duncan searched all that portion of the forest that he dared to enter, but in vain.
But he found his comrade's gun, and at some little distance his cap.
So he went sorrowfully home.
Further search was made next day, some of the bravest of Goo-Goo's native soldiers assisting.