ense forest, which was almost impenetrable in
many places, and they had to avoid this also.

Before evening this forest appeared in view, and a halt was called for
the purpose of reconnoitering the position, and to ascertain if it could
not be avoided. John and Ralph made a long trip to the north, and it was
found that it extended in that direction too far to make the long
detour.

"As the forest will be a very trying course to take, I suggest that we
turn directly south and either cross the river or investigate the
country on the other side in the direction of the mountains. We have
never gone there, and it is likely the country is not as rough, and what
little wood is in that neighborhood may not impede us much."

The suggestion was followed, and before night they again encamped on the
shore of South River.

"Before taking the team across let us make an investigation for several
miles, at least to see the traveling conditions, and if Ralph will
accompany me, it will be no difficulty to get back in time for a fairly
early start."

Ralph was only too willing to accompany John, and a raft was improvised
for the occasion, and they plunged into the rising ground beyond. As
they advanced it was apparent that the surface was much better than at
any part of the journey from the falls, and the return journey was made
as quickly as possible.

After crossing, the river was followed for a time, and then the rising
ground was considered more favorable, and good time was made during the
day. At the end of the second day the encampment was made for the night
by the side of a little stream which flowed from the mountains to the
left of their course.

During the previous nights Angel was quiet, but as darkness set in his
uneasiness gave George sufficient information to indicate some trouble,
and the boys attributed it to the presence of the wild animals, which
they knew abounded on the south side of the stream.

Two were delegated to watch during the night, and at recurring intervals
Angel manifested alarm. From midnight until the break of day he was
constantly awake, and showed his alarm, but when it was daylight a
hurried survey of the immediate locality betrayed no signs of an enemy.

Within a mile of their camp they came across a camp fire, around which
was strewn the bones which were left from the feast. The Professor and
John were up in an instant and carefully examined the litter surrounding
the fire, as well as the