"We'll take the craft up a bit and follow the supposed direction," said Captain Jones. "Ten to one there'll be some sort of a clearing further on. Tilt the forward planes, McPherson. That's enough; keep her as she is and carry on."
For nearly two miles the "Pride of Rhodesia" flew steadily over the tree-tops. So dense was the foliage that for the whole of that distance no sign of the ground was visible.
"Are you prepared to have a bullet through the envelope of the airship?" asked Captain Restronguet.
"No, I'm not," replied Jones bluntly. "Why?"
"We offer a tempting mark. If any of those rogues spot us and open fire----"
"There they are!" exclaimed Hythe.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE FATE OF VON HARBURG.
The sub pointed to a glade in the forest slightly to the north of the course the "Pride of Rhodesia" was following. Here the ground rose gradually, and save for a few prickly pear-trees was destitute of verdure. Four roughly-constructed tents made from ships' sails had been erected, with a breast-work of boxes surrounding, except for a narrow opening that gave access to the camp. Seven or eight men, regardless of the blazing sun, were lying down or sitting with their backs propped up against the boxes. No attempt had apparently been made to post sentries or to take any steps against a possible surprise, although every man had either a rifle or a revolver close to hand.
"Wonder they haven't heard our motors," remarked Captain Jones, as he ordered the engines to be stopped and the quick-firers to be manned. "They must be sound asleep. I vote we cover them pretty tightly, fire a blank shot and summon them to surrender at discretion."