Rob continued to float in the air, just above their heads, and now abandoned all thoughts of escaping by means of his wrecked traveling machine. But he resolved to regain a foothold upon the earth and take his chances of escape by running rather than flying. So he turned the indicator to the word "down," and very slowly it obeyed, allowing him, to his great relief, to sink gently to the ground.
CHAPTER SIX
THE BUCCANEERS
Once more the blacks formed a circle around our adventurer, who coolly drew his tube and said to the chief:
"Tell your people I'm going to walk away through those trees, and if any one dares to interfere with me I'll paralyze him."
The chief understood enough English to catch his meaning, and repeated the message to his men. Having seen the terrible effect of the electric tube they wisely fell back and allowed the boy to pass.