The use of their pocket
electric lights was a great help, and possibly
served to ward off the attacks of jungle beasts,
for as they tramped along they could hear stealthy
sounds in the underbush on either side of the
path, as though tigers were stalking them. For
there was in the woods an animal of the leopard
family, called tiger or "tigre" by the natives,
that was exceedingly fierce and dangerous. But
watchfulness prevented any accident, and eventually
the party reached the place where they had
left their goods. Nothing had been disturbed,
and finally a fire was made, the tents set up and
a light meal, with hot tea served.
"We'll get ahead of Beecher yet," said Tom.
"You seem as anxious as Professor Bumper,"
observed Mr. Damon,
"I guess I am," admitted Tom. "I want to
see that idol of gold in the possession of our
party."
The night passed without incident, and then,
telling his new friends that he would return as
soon as possible with help, Tolpec, taking a
small supply of food with him, set out through
the jungle again.
As the green vines and creepers closed after
him, and the explorers were left alone with their
possessions piled around them, Ned remarked:
"After all, I wonder if it was wise to let him go?"
"Why not?" asked Tom.
"Well, maybe he only wanted to get us back
here, and then he'll desert, too. Maybe that's
what he's done now, making us lose two or three
days by inducing us to return, waiting for what
will never happen--his return with other
natives.
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