The Land of Mystery | Page 5

cannot be said that it added to his comfort.
Meanwhile the archer advanced, but with such tardy step that it was
evident he was timing his pace to that of his comrade who had so
stealthily entered the wood. Convinced that his real peril lay among
those trees, Grimcke began a backward movement with such caution
that he hoped it would not be noticed by the native who was
approaching with a sluggish pace.
The forest, like all those in South America, was so dense that great care
was necessary for one to pick his way through it. The Professor's theory
was that the savage with the spear would regulate his movements on
the theory that the white man would not stir from the place where he
had first halted. He would thus aim to secure a position from which he
could hurl his javelin at him without detection. Grimcke conceived this
was certain to take place, and, if he remained where he was, nothing
could save him from the treacherous assault. It was a matter, therefore,
of self preservation that dictated the brief retreat with the hope of thus
disconcerting the savage.
The task which Grimcke had given himself was difficult indeed. The
ground was unfavorable for the peculiar twitching movement which he
hoped would carry him out of danger. He had gone barely a couple of
yards when the bowman evidently suspected something of the kind, for
he stopped short and stared inquiringly at the white man.
The latter extended his right hand as if to shake that of the savage, who
stood motionless, making no sign of pleasure or displeasure. Indeed, he

remained so fixed in his position that Grimcke was convinced he was
listening for the sound of the other miscreant stealing through the wood.
He plainly saw the black eyes cast a single inquiring glance in that
direction.
"This is getting a little too threatening," reflected the Professor,
satisfied that the three natives were as venomous as so many serpents;
"at the first move war is declared."
His situation was so critical that he did not dare turn his head to look
behind him, but never was there a more welcome sound to him than
that made by the footsteps of the lank New Englander.
"Keep moving hack!" called Long, "but don't try to hide what you're
doing."
The Professor saw the sense of this advice and he followed it, lifting his
feet so high that the action was plainly seen, but doing so with a certain
dignity that was not lacking in impressiveness. His aim was to give the
act the appearance of a strategic movement, as it may be called. It was
not that he was afraid of the natives, but he was seeking a better place
from which to open hostilities against them.
This was the impression which he sought to give the fierce savages,
and whether he succeeded, or not was certain to become apparent
within the following five minutes. He himself believed, the chances
were against the success of his plan.
CHAPTER III.
LIVELY WORK.
Now took place an unprecedented incident.
The air of comity, or at least neutrality, which brooded over the two
parties had given way to that of silent but intense hostility. The
prowling movement of the native with the spear as he slipped into the
wood, the sudden advance of Jared Long, whose face became like a

thunder-cloud, when every hope of a friendly termination vanished, and
the abrupt halt of the bowman, showed that all parties had thrown off
the cloak of good will and become deadly enemies.
The third savage kept his place farther down the stream, his black eyes
fixed on the archer in front, while he doubtless was waiting for some
action on the part of his comrade who had stolen into the wood. As has
been stated, he was nigh enough to hurl his javelin, so that both the
white men were too wise to eliminate him from the curiously involved
problem that confronted them.
The bowman having halted, stood a moment with his piercing black
eyes fixed on the nearest white man, as if seeking to read in his face the
meaning of his action or rather abrupt cessation of action.
"Professor," called Jared, "I'll attend to the one in front of you; but look
out for the scamp among the trees."
Grimcke was relieved to hear this, and had there been only the two
natives to confront, he would have been disturbed by no misgiving, but
there were signs that the third one down the stream was preparing to do
his part in the treacherous business. He too began advancing, but
instead of doing so with the quick, angry stride of the New Englander,
he stepped slowly and softly, as if