lure, and the Professor
advised them not to be too rash.

"Here we are; inside the hut; hurrah for the United States." The boys
looked at each other in amazement. The Professor, too, was puzzled.
Cautiously approaching the opening, the Professor called out: "Who is
there!"

Instantly came the cry from two voices: "We are American boys who were
captured by the savages." Nothing more was needed for the impetuosity of
George and Harry. With the bolos the enclosure was soon cut away, and
they rushed in, but the Professor and John remained outside.

In one corner, and tied to stanchions which had been driven in the
ground, were two boys, badly emaciated, and covered with filth and rags.
When the ropes that bound them were cut away and assisted to rise they
were too weak to stand without support.

"We are so hungry."

"How long have you been here?" asked Harry, excitedly.

"We don't know, but more than two weeks. We were captured by another
tribe and in the last fight were taken from the ones who first captured
us."

"Come out into the light," and Harry and George each put his arms around
one of the boys, and as they came out looked at the Professor and John
in astonishment too strong for words.

In the excitement they broke down and wept, and well they might. Our
boys were touched beyond description, and John went up to them and put
his arms around them, and this act so affected Harry and George that
they too joined the boys in tears that could not be kept back.

The Professor was moved, as he turned away to hide his feelings, but he
recovered, and with a great show of unconcern, exclaimed: "Back to the
wagon, as quickly as possible." This brought them to a realization of
their position, and Harry and George almost carried the boys toward the
wagon, while John and the Professor lingered behind.

He had anticipated the return of the savages, and surmising that a still
larger force might be within calling distance, did not consider it
prudent to tarry long at that spot. It was well that they did not
remain, as the rescued boys informed the Professor that the main body
was beyond the ridge, and not more than several miles away unless they
were on the warpath.

[Illustration: "'_Come out into the light,' and Harry and George each
put his arms around one of the boys_" [See p. 62]]

There was no time for many words. When the poor boys reached the wagon
another surprise was in store for them, as they gazed on the wou