This he greatly valued, for he was accustomed to talk his scientific deductions into a receiver, preserving the records for future reference when he got back to the United States.
"Tell me about what you want to reach, Mr. Stoodles," said the kindly old fellow, "and I'll see if I can fix you out properly."
Stoodles explained his scheme. After that he was shut up with the doctor for several hours. When he rejoined Bob his face was beaming.
"It's all right, lad," he reported. "Ah, but a wise old fellow is Docther Barrell. It'll be amazing what we are going to do to the natives."
It was just before dusk that evening when Stoodles and Bob left the Swallow. They each carried a good-sized parcel. The captain had seen to it that they were furnished with small-arms.
The ship's yawl took them out of the cove and landed them about five miles down shore, the boatswain in charge.
"It's understood, then," said Drake, "that we be here again with the boat at six, twelve, and six to-morrow?"
"If we're alive and well," answered Stoodles, "you'll find us on hand on one of those three occasions."
"That has saved us a long, hard tramp," said Bob, shouldering his load as they started inland.
"Two-thirds of the journey, lad, if the native town is where I think it is," answered Stoodles. "Now, everything depends on getting to the town and into it without being seen."