THE SKELETON BENEATH THE BOAT
The present journey reminded the boys of the time when they began their wanderings in the unknown wilds of their own island. Then they were inexperienced, lacking the most ordinary knowledge of life in the open, afraid of slightest noise when in unknown places, and constantly fearing attack by wild men or beasts.
What a difference now! They had been successful, and had abundant treasures at their command. Something told them that they were to find still greater treasures, and the zest was one beyond expression.
The course was directed due north. The boys knew that they were to investigate the mountains, the hills and the streams. They were to learn what fruits and vegetation might be found in their native state on the island; the kinds and varieties of animals, and the qualities of the minerals, if the geological formations offered them for inspection.
From the first day that they landed, the boys had heard a peculiar guttural sound, impossible to describe. The sound was almost annoying after they had heard it for a time. Passing the limb of a tree during the first hour of the march they heard the same cry.
"I see what it is," remarked George. "It is a bird. See it on that limb?"
John looked, and then turned to George. "Why certainly, that is the Kagu."
"Why its bill and feet are red, while the rest of the body is gray. What a funny feather it has running back from its head!"
Harry laughed, as he remarked: "I wonder if our women took their hat fashions from the Kagu?"