“Lions, yes,” returned his father. “And other dangerous game. But we also want to investigate reports of several strange animals that are at present generally unknown. Whether we’ll find them we have yet to see—if nothing with sharp teeth stops us,” he added with a smile.
“Nothing will,” said Bob conclusively. “But just what is the most dangerous game of Africa?”
The naturalists glanced at each other.
“Better not ask that question, or you’ll start a heated debate,” laughed Mr. Lewis. “Howard and I are very much in disagreement about it.”
“Why?” persisted Bob.
“You father is inclined to place the rhino as the most dangerous, while I would say the buffalo comes first. But to settle the argument, both are bad enough when they’re after you.”
“But what about the lion?” demanded Joe. “Isn’t he dangerous?”
“Very much so,” answered Mr. Holton. “However, he isn’t considered anything like the two animals that Ben mentioned. That doesn’t mean, though, that it’s advisable to go out and pick a quarrel with the king of beasts,” he added whimsically.
“Let me get a map of Africa, boys,” said Joe’s father, rising. “Then we can see exactly where we intend to explore.”
He went over to a bookcase in a corner of the office, returning a moment later with a large cloth map of the Dark Continent.