Book Four—Chapter One.
On the War Path.
Adventure with a Python—The Unwholesome Fen—The Village of the Dismal Swamp—The Man-Eater.
Not only as guides and carriers, but in a variety of other ways did Harry find his new men useful. They were undoubtedly honest, they were just as undoubtedly brave, and last, but not least, they were willing.
Well, they were servants and subjects of the island king, and depend upon it a good master always makes a good servant.
It was but two men that Harry desired to have lent to him, but his majesty insisted on sending three, wisely observing that while the two could carry the packages, the other could act as guide and scout.
At the time, then, that the last “act” in this tale of ours opens, Harry had already been three months on the road.
Three months only? Why it seemed like three years, so filled had the days been with toil and adventure. No wonder that Harry felt a man when he looked back to all he had come through. He had seen many strange sights, and been among many strange tribes and peoples, and yet he could have told you truthfully that he had not as yet made an enemy. To do so needs that wonderful skill and judgment, tact and calmness of mind, which only men like Stanley and Cameron possess.