all the paddles in the craft were
plied with the utmost possible vigor, each yard passed adding to the
hope that hostilities were over for the time.

Probably three-fourths of the distance was accomplished, when a low
exclamation from Ashman caused all to cease paddling and gaze at the
shore which he was watching with such interest.

The most gigantic savage yet seen had emerged from the forest trail,
but instead of advancing to the river's edge, he halted just far enough
from the wood to allow the moonlight to inclose him. He was thus in
almost as plain-sight as if it were mid-day.

He stood in silent contemplation of the strangers that had invaded his
dominions and given his people such a dear lesson. Confident that he
could accomplish no harm, even if he wished to try it, Ashman refrained
from firing, while the company surveyed him with a feeling akin to
admiration.

He was over six feet in height and of massive proportions. He would
have been an ugly customer in a tussle where the conditions were equal,
and Ashman could not forbear the thought that he was one of the
contestants in the frightful sport he had witnessed near the village.
If so, there was little doubt that he was hailed the champion. It may
have been that he had hastened along the forest path, burning with a
desire to assail the mysterious beings who had used his countrymen so
ill, and he was filled with chagrin and disappointment that he had
arrived too late.

But there was no end to the fancies that might be formed concerning
him. That there was little imagination about Bippo was shown by his
timid request to his masters to shoot the savage. To Bippo the
elimination of a single enemy of such formidable mien was a
consummation devoutly to be prayed for. But the Professor reminded the
native that they only slew in self-defense.

All at once, the herculean savage was seen to make a motion of his arm,
and before the act could be understood, the terrified Bippo called out
that he was about to throw his javelin. At the same instant he and his
two companions cowered in the bottom of the boat, where they were
abundantly protected.

"The poor fellow is disappointed," laughed Ashman, "and he must show
his anger, even if it requires the loss of one of his----"

Something like the flitting of a bird's wing whisked so close to the
speaker's face that he involuntarily threw back his head. At the same
instant, a heavy javelin crashed through the s