The stranger had, however, noted their movements, and, suddenly turning, darted back into the shadow of the trees.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A STRANGE STORY.
Wal Jessop hastily explained to Meri that it was their intention to go in pursuit of the white man, and the chief said he would accompany them. The meeting came to an end, the savages dispersing to their various huts.
Meri, beckoning to Wal and Edgar to follow him, led the way across the marum into the forest beyond. They were soon in richly-wooded country, and found progress difficult. Edgar constantly stumbled over some tangled, twisted root that lay hidden in his path; thorns, growing on some of the bushes, pricked him and tore his clothes, and Wal Jessop was in no better plight. Meri, however, did not appear to mind the thorns, but walked on at a rapid pace.
They continued their tramp for some time, but saw nothing of the white man who had so quickly and mysteriously disappeared.
When they halted to rest Wal Jessop questioned Meri, and learned that the white man had been on the island for some time. He came in a trading vessel, and was left behind, either wilfully or through his own desire. The natives regarded him with superstition, and thought him scarcely human. Meri himself was evidently a believer in the white man’s powers over the natives for good or evil.
On resuming their search they came upon a pathway evidently cut in the bush, and along this Meri led them.
He halted at the entrance to a small clearing, and here they saw a strange sight.
Standing straight up from the ground were several large trunks of trees, that had been hollowed out and rudely carved in the shape of hideous heads at the top. They appeared to be idols, and Meri regarded them with a look of awe.
‘This is a Sing-Sing ground,’ said Wal; ‘I have heard of them before, but never seen one. This is where their gods live, and it is regarded as a sacred grove. If the white man is here it easily accounts for the fear with which he is regarded. No native would remain here alone; in fact, they dare not venture except upon special occasions. I’ll ask Meri about it.’