Hibbert looked tremblingly round. Of a sudden an unearthly yell rent the air, and half a dozen dusky figures leapt from the bushes in the distance. Flourishing curiously-shaped weapons, very like tomahawks, they rushed, yelling and screaming, towards the bewildered boys.
CHAPTER XXVI
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE RAFT
Hibbert, a picture of terror, turned and fled towards the river, and Plunger and Harry, imagining for the moment that they had been set upon by real savages, promptly followed his example. The dusky figures followed in pursuit, still yelling their outlandish cries.
"Ka-pei, ka-pei! Houp, houp! O-jib-e-way! Koo-oo, koo-oo!"
Hibbert ran as he had never run before in his life. Terror lent speed to his feet. He had got the start of his companions, so that they only drew up to him as he reached the river.
"Quick—the raft!" shouted Plunger. "They'll be on us in a minute."
It was the raft for which Hibbert was making.
"Ka-pei, ka-pei! Houp, Houp! O-jib-e-way! Koo-oo, koo-oo!"