"
"And always hungry," observed Jacinto grimly.
"And to think that I--that I nearly had my
hand on it," murmured Mr. Damon. "Ugh!
Bless my eyeglasses!"
"The alligator nearly had your hand," said the
guide. "They can turn in the water like a flash,
wherefore it is not wise to pat one on the tail
lest it present its mouth instead."
They paddled on up the river, the dusky Indians
now and then breaking out into a chant
that seemed to give their muscles new energy.
The song, if song it was, passed from one boat
to the other, and as the chant boomed forth
the craft shot ahead more swiftly.
They made a landing about noon, and lunch
was served. Tom and his friends were hungry
in spite of the heat. Moreover, they were
experienced travelers and had learned not to fret
over inconveniences and discomforts. the Ind-
ians ate by themselves, two acting as servants
to Jacinto and the professor's party.
As is usual in traveling in the tropics, a halt
was made during the heated middle of the day.
Then, as the afternoon shadows were waning,
the party again took to the canoes and paddled
on up the river.
"Do you know of a good place to stop during
the night?" asked Professor Bumper of Jacinto.
"Oh, yes; a most excellent place. It is where
I always bring scientific parties I am guiding.
You may rely on me."
It was within an hour of dusk--none too much
time to allow in which to pitch camp in the
tropics, where night follows day suddenly--when
a halt was called, as a turn of the river showed a
little clearing on the edge of the forest-bound
river.
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