ide of the boat, as if it
were cardboard, and splashed out of sight in the water beyond.

The missile of the gigantic savage had passed between Ashman and the
Professor, missing both by a few inches.

The young man, like a flash, brought his rifle to his shoulder and
sighted at the savage who was still in plain sight, as if defying the
whites to do their worst.

But Ashman did not pull the trigger. Lowering his weapon, he said:

"You have earned your life."

CHAPTER X.

DOUBLE-GUARDED.

The native who had made the wonderful throw of the javelin stood a
moment longer, and then as if satisfied that he could do no more, he
turned about and disappeared.

Fortunately, the missile had struck the upper part of the canoe,
through which it tore a jagged hole several inches wide, and a short
distance above the water. The injury could be easily repaired, and at
present required no attention.

The paddles were again called into play, and the prow of the craft
gently touched shore.

Having reached the right bank, the explorers had something to think of
beside the savages whom they hoped were left behind for good. Two
white men were known to be in the neighborhood, and there was warrant
for believing they were as hostile as the natives from whom our friends
had had such a narrow escape. With their superior intelligence, there
was more to be feared from them than from the brave but ignorant
savages; but, at the same time, it was to be hoped they might be
conciliated, and that, if not, they would fight without the use of the
fearful implements used by the savages, who held human life in such
light esteem.

On the other hand, the explorers were too sensible to believe they had
seen the last of the warriors that had proven their daring and ferocity.

It was decided to leave all the luggage in the canoe which was held so
lightly against the bank that it could be shoved into the river at an
instant's need. No fire was to be kindled, although the entire party
left the boat and advanced to the edge of the wood, beneath whose
shelter they seated themselves on the ground.

The night which they had hoped would afford them much needed rest,
promised to be most exhausting in its requirements.

It had been the custom of the explorers, when camping on their way to
the Matto Grosso, to have at all times a couple of their number on
guard, the night being divided into two watches. For the first five
hundred miles, after