them answered, but shrank back. John assumed a terrible
anger, as he continued: "We healed you, and tried to show our
friendship, but you tried to kill us. Is that what you people believe
in?"

Tama, who was the warrior alluded to by Harry, soon recovered his
speech, and after glancing around at the chiefs, said: "The chiefs would
not believe what you said."

"What are you here for now?"

"I was sent here to see what you were doing."

"How many were sent?"

"No one but Reto and myself."

"Lock them up," said John, "and keep a good guard over them. So that is
their game, is it? So much the more important for us to get the weapons
ready."

The new wagon was now ready for the top, and this was completed in short
work. John started on the bolos immediately, and also forged out a
number of spears. The boys were set to work preparing the stocks for the
barrels, and these were cut out in the rough at the sawmill, and several
more knives prepared. The most skillful of the warriors were then
instructed to dress them up and get them ready for the barrels.

The work was prosecuted not only during the day, but at night, as well.
It was fortunate that during the time the yaks were lost, some months
before, they had trained a pair to drive, and these were now again yoked
up to give them experimental training for the coming journey.

Meantime John consulted Muro and Uraso, and the three picked out the
most trustworthy scouts. Giving them explicit instructions to proceed
westward, and discover, if possible, whether their enemies were making
any movement toward the Cataract, and if, on the other hand, the
movement was toward the Professor and the Brabos' village, to send one
runner to the village and the other back to the Cataract.

In less than ten days' time Harry had turned out thirty-two barrels, and
John had given a great deal of attention to the preparation of the
ammunition.

CHAPTER III

INTERCEPTING THE MARCH OF THE CONFEDERATES.

THE TREASURE

Blakely started north with the picked warriors, and before evening came
in sight of them, headed for the east. It was evident that they were
about to go to the Cataract.

Sutoto begged to be permitted to go there and inform them of the danger
of attack, and Blakely consented, and without waiting for the morning,
was on his way. He traveled most of the night, reaching the place in the
afternoon, and was received by John and the others with the most
effusive we