“The jaguar is dead, and that is good,” said Abino. “But there are still many left. We kill many, but more come. And there are cubs in the caves that will soon be big enough to carry off the children of the tribe.”
“Yes,” agreed Olura, with despondency in his tone. “Two more were carried off last week. The medicine men make prayers, but still the jaguars come.”
“They come from the other shore,” observed Abino. “They swim the river in the night when the caymans are asleep. There are herbs on the island that they like, that make them laugh when they are sad, that make them well when they are sick.”
Bomba guessed that they referred to a kind of catnip that he had already noted growing on the island in great profusion. He wondered that the natives had not torn these up by the roots, so as to make the place less alluring to the unwelcome visitors. Then, realizing the rank and rapid growth of the vegetation, he knew that nothing less than an army could accomplish the colossal task.
“It would be well if Japazy would take his people to the other side of the river where the jaguars are not so many and where the tribe could dwell in peace,” remarked Boshot.
“Beware, Boshot,” warned Abino, looking fearfully about him. “Remember you not Manasta, he of the bold and forward tongue? He said one day to Japazy the words that just now came from Boshot’s mouth. Japazy looked at him and his frown was terrible. And Manasta has not been seen since that day.”
“That is true,” put in Tama, in an awed voice. “It is said that Japazy had him tied and put in a bag and thrown into the river to the caymans. So beware, Boshot. They are good words that Abino has spoken to Boshot.”
The doughty warrior, who had not quailed before the charge of the jaguar, seemed to shrink into himself, and Bomba had a new glimpse into the ruthless character with whom he was soon to deal.
“Now let us skin the jaguar and get his meat,” suggested Olura. “There is but little food in the huts of our people, and they will be glad and make a feast when they see us bringing them the meat of the jaguar.”
They were preparing to carry out the suggestion when there was a sharp report. A burst of flame sprang out of the mountain’s top, and the earth shook so violently that all of the natives measured their length upon the ground. Bomba would have been thrown also, had it not been for the rocks on either side. As it was, he was knocked about until he was bruised and sore.