"What does he say?" asked Mr. Swift.
"Can he give us any more definite information about the city of gold?" inquired Ned.
"I'll read it," said Tom, and there was a curious, strained note in his voice. "This is what it says:"
"'No more information obtainable. But if you go to the city of gold beware of the head-hunters!'"
"Head-hunters!" exclaimed Mr. Damon. "Bless my top-knot, what are they?"
"I don't know," answered Tom simply, "but whatever they are we've got to be on the lookout for them when we get to the gold city, and that's where I'm going, head-hunters or no head-hunters!"
Chapter VII Tom Makes A Promise
It may well be imagined that the cable warning sent by Mr. Illingway caused our friends considerable anxiety. Coming as it did, almost at the last minute, so brief--giving no particulars--it was very ominous. Yet Tom was not afraid, nor did any of the others show signs of fear.
"Bless my shotgun!" exclaimed Mr. Damon, as he looked at the few words on the paper which Tom passed around. "I wish Mr. Illingway had said more about the head-hunters--or less."