At that moment the woods around them were filled with a tremendous and very unexpected roar, which caused the whole party to spring up, and induced the new bo’s’n to utter a yell of terror that would have done credit to the whistle of the most violent bo’s’n on the sea. Next moment the travellers were surrounded by a large and excited band of armed negroes.
Chapter Seven.
Enemies are Changed into Friends—Our Travellers Penetrate into the Interior of the Land.
To possess the power of looking perfectly calm and unconcerned when you are in reality considerably agitated and rather anxious, is extremely useful in any circumstances, but especially so when one happens to be in the midst of grinning, gesticulating, naked savages.
Our hero, Harold Seadrift possessed that power in an eminent degree, and his first-mate, Disco Lillihammer, was not a whit behind him. Although both had started abruptly to their legs at the first alarm, and drawn their respective revolvers, they no sooner found themselves surrounded by overwhelming numbers than they lowered their weapons, and, turning back to back, faced the intruders with calm countenances.
“Sit down, men, every one of you except Antonio,” said Harold, in a quiet, but clear and decided voice.
His men, who, having left their guns in the canoe, were utterly helpless, quietly obeyed.
“Who are you, and what do you want?” demanded Antonio, by Harold’s order.