head throb so that I gladly closed my eyes, while I wrenched my arms and
wrists, that were tied behind my back so harshly that I became quite
aware of the fact that I had limbs, as well as an inert body and a
throbbing head.

When I could unclose my eyes again I saw that it was getting near
sundown, and that the sunshine was lighting up the limbs of the great
trees beneath which the native village to which I had been brought was
built. From where I lay I looked across a broad opening, around which
was hut after hut, with its open door facing towards the centre.

There was very little sign of life around, but twice in the distance I
saw a black figure come out of the doorway of a hut and disappear
amongst the trees, but it was some time before I could make out from
whence the heavy breathing came that I had heard.

As far as I could judge it was from some one just outside the entrance
to the hut where I lay, but no one was visible, and it seemed to me that
if I could untie the rope that held my wrists and legs there was nothing
to prevent my walking out and making my escape.

I had just come to this conclusion when there was a rustling noise as of
a stick passing over twigs and leaves, and a spear fell down across the
doorway.

The next instant I saw a black arm and shoulder come forward, the spear
was picked up, and the black arm disappeared. Then there was a
shuffling sound, as of some one settling down in a fresh position, and
all was silent, for the heavy breathing had ceased.

"That's my guard," I said to myself, "and he has been, asleep!"

Simple words, but they sent a throb of joy through me, and I began to
wonder where the doctor was, and what Jack Penny was doing.

Then I thought about Jimmy, and that as soon as I was missed he would be
sure to hunt me out.

My head began to throb once more horribly, but by degrees the fit died
off, and I found myself thinking again of escape.

"How foolish of me not to have had a dog!" I thought. "Why, if I had
had one like Gyp he would have tracked me out by this time."

"They'll find me out sooner or later," I said to myself; "so I need not
regret being without a dog. But suppose the savages should attack our
little party and make them prisoners too."

This was quite a new idea to me. The doctor and I had thought out a
good many possibilities; but that we, who had come in search of one who
was a prisoner, should be ourselves made captives, hardly ever occ