Late that afternoon the chief said something to the anthropologist and pointed to a clearly defined trail that wound away through the heavy vegetation.
“He says that here is where we leave the boats and head for his village,” the scientist told the others in animated tones.
“Fine!” exclaimed Mr. Lewis, also delighted that the journey had come to an end. “There’s a place that will act as a harbor,” pointing to a groove in the shore.
He directed the crew to paddle the boats to land, and as soon as this was done all climbed out and made the crafts fast to staunch trees.
Professor Bigelow turned to the savage and conversed for several minutes. Then he moved to the boats.
“The village isn’t far away,” he said. “It will be safe to leave our provisions here for the time being.”
As a precaution, however, and also because the naturalists wished to secure new specimens, they carried their rifles and a good supply of ammunition.
The chief led the way along the path, the others close at his heels. The path was so well cut that they had no trouble in walking along briskly. A half-hour, the Indian said through Professor Bigelow, would be all the time required to get to the village.
Suddenly the explorers heard a faint screaming and shouting that came from the village, and at once the chief began chattering nervously.