“And you can furnish the bearers?” asked Mr. Holton. “We’ll probably need about twenty-five, perhaps more.”
The tall native nodded. He explained that inside of two days he could complete preparations for the expedition and would let the whites know when he was ready.
After a few more words with Noko the naturalists and their sons left his hut and with Migo drove the automobile to a large clearing just off the roadway. Here they unloaded their supplies and pitched a tent.
“We’ll stay here until Noko has things ready for us to start into the jungle,” remarked Mr. Lewis, lifting a big box to carry it into the tent.
Late the next afternoon the Americans were resting under a large tree beside their temporary camp when they heard a shouting and yelling. Looking around they saw Noko and a large group of other natives heading toward them.
“Hurrah!” cried Joe. “Noko sure has acted quickly. Has everything ready for us.”
The natives were all capable of carrying loads of sixty pounds apiece. And Noko, as the neapara, or headman, assured the explorers that they could be relied upon.
Last-minute preparations were made. The naturalists saw that each porter was carrying his share of the provisions. Then, picking up their guns and handing them to their bearers, the scientists and the youths waved a farewell to Migo and several other natives who had gathered to see the expedition depart.
Led by Noko, the safari made its way toward a distant jungle.
They were off—off for the little-known Forest of Mystery!