Once more Ned composed himself to sleep, and
this time successfully, for he did not have any
more unpleasant dreams. The quiet of the
jungle settled down over the camp, at least the
comparative quiet of the jungle, for there were
always noises of some sort going on, from the
fall of some rotten tree limb to the scream or
growl of a wild beast, while, now and again, from
the river came the pig-like grunts of the alligators.
It was about two o'clock in the morning, as
they ascertained later, when the whole camp--
white travelers and all--was suddenly awakened
by a wild scream. It seemed to come from one
of the natives, who called out a certain word
ever and over again. To Tom and Ned it
sounded like:
"Oshtoo! Oshtoo! Oshtoo!"
"What's the matter?" cried Professor Bumper.
"The vampires!" came the answering voice of
Jacinto. "One of the Indians has been attacked
by a big vampire bat! Look out, every one!
It may be a raid by the dangerous creatures!
Be careful!"
Notwithstanding this warning Ned stuck his
head out of the tent. The same instant he was
aware of a dark enfolding shadow passing over
him, and, with a shudder of fear, he jumped back.
CHAPTER XII
A FALSE FRIEND
"What is it? What's the matter?" cried Tom
springing from his cot and hastening to the side
of his chum in the tent. "What has happened, Ned?"
"I don't know, but Jacinto is yelling
something about vampires!"
"Vampires?"
"Yes. Big bats.
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