"I've got an idea," Bob whispered as they got to their feet. "Be careful and don't start anything."
"What you going to do?" Jack asked anxiously.
"No time to tell you now. Watch and you'll see."
As they emerged from the hut, they saw the group of native men sitting on the ground in the form of a circle a short distance away, and toward them the man urged them.
"Council of war, I reckon," Jack whispered.
"Likely. Watch your step," Bob again cautioned.
Into the midst of the circle the native pushed them and they noticed that the women of the tribe were gathered a short distance away eagerly watching the proceedings. Jack's mind was busy, wondering what Bob was going to do and he did not have long to wait before finding out. Once they were within the circle, the leader took his place beside one of the others and at once began jabbering at them making many gestures with both hands. Of course they were unable to understand what he was saying, but, when he paused, Bob held up one hand and Jack saw that, between his thumb and finger, he held up a bright half dollar. Instantly he knew his plan.
For an instant Bob held the coin so that all the men could see it, at the same time striking an imposing attitude. Then he made as though he was throwing the coin in the air, but instead, it disappeared. A look, first of wonder stole over the faces of the natives, followed by one of uneasiness. Then Bob stepped boldly forward and, with a slow movement picked the coin from the nose of the leader. Now the look of uneasiness changed to one which plainly indicated fear. Catching a wink from his brother Jack also showed signs of amazement.
Bob's next trick was to run quickly here and there within the circle snatching coins from the air until it seemed that he had collected a score or more. Then he paused and looked solemnly at the leader who squirmed and twisted as though expecting to be annihilated the next instant. It was evident that, as Jack afterward declared, he had 'em going. But when Bob next swallowed one of the coins and then, taking off of his shoes, shook it out onto the ground, it was more than they could stand and one or two sprang to their feet. But, with an imperious gesture, Bob motioned them to resume their seat and, tremblingly, they obeyed. Again he looked with his stern gaze at the leader, and again that individual acted as though he were sitting on a hot stove, as Jack afterward laughed.
Then the leader, as Bob removed his gaze, gave an order and instantly the entire company bowed their heads almost to the ground.