the appearance and actions
of the strangers. It was clear that he, as well as the other two,
still believed the couple on the opposite bank were Grimcke and Long;
though when reminded that it was impossible that they could have
crossed and recrossed the stream in such a brief time, and without any
means except that of swimming, they only shook their heads, signifying
that, though they could not explain _that_ feature of the strange
business, they would not yield their belief.

Ashman asked further, directing his question to each of the natives in
turn, whether they saw the parties plainly enough to make sure they
were white men. The servants were positive on this point, adding the
distracting statement that they were dressed precisely like the two
absent members of the little company, and that each carried a rifle as
they did.

"Same ones--same ones; don't know how cross riber, but allee same do
so," repeated Bippo, with a grin.

By this time the swiftly moving canoe was well on the way to the camp
which it had left so abruptly, and, a minute later, Ashman sprang out
and grasped the hand of each of his friends in turn.

In a few words he explained the extraordinary incidents of the last
half hour, receiving in return the story of the experience of the
Professor and his companion. The latter were deeply touched by the
loss of Johnston. Danger tends to draw the members of a party closely
together, and, despite the peculiar disposition of the sailor, the
three felt a deep attachment for him. They would have faced any danger
in his behalf, but the time had passed for that, and they could only
mourn the loss of such a valuable comrade.

"But what about this story that Bippo tells?"

Before a reply could be made, the native approached, with his peculiar
grin.

"How you cross riber?--why you come back 'gin? Why you no stay ober
dere when we hurry to go to you?"

"Bippo, you are mistaken," replied the Professor, with all the
earnestness at his command. "We went up this side of the stream, and
have not been on the other side since dark. When we came back and saw
that you were not in the camp, we thought you had all been killed."

The native grinned more than ever, and shook his head.

"De Purfes'r funny man--he make laugh." And he walked back to his
companions with an unshakeable belief in the story given to Fred Ashman
when he dashed in such excitement from the wood.

"Bippo believes what he has told us,