"We were just wondering
what had become of you."
"We were chasing shadows!" laughed Tom.
"At least Ned was. But you look cozy enough in there."
It did, indeed, look cheerful in contrast to the
damp and dark jungle all about. Professor Bumper,
being an experienced traveler, knew how to
provide for such comforts as were possible. Folding
cots had been opened for himself, Mr. Damon
and the guide to sleep on, others, similar, being
set up in the tent where Tom and Ned were to
sleep. In the middle of the tent the professor
had made a table of his own and Mr.
Damon's suit cases, and on this placed a small
dry battery electric light. He was making some
notes, doubtless for a future book. Jacinto was
going about the camp, seeing that the Indians
were at their duties, though most of them had
gone directly to sleep after supper.
"Better get inside and under the nets," advised
Professor Bumper to Tom and Ned. "The mosquitoes
here are the worst I ever saw."
"We're beginning to believe that," returned
Ned, who was unusually quiet. "Come on,
Tom. I can't stand it any longer. I'm itching
in a dozen places now from their bites."
As Tom and Ned had no wish for a light,
which would be sure to attract insects, they
entered their tent in the dark, and were soon
stretched out in comparative comfort. Tom was
just on the edge of a deep sleep when he heard
Ned murmur:
"I can't understand it!"
"What's that?" asked the young inventor.
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