to be stowing themselves away between trees or
behind hillocks and rocks, and some of them are sure to pop in here."

Nick and Pipes appeared quickly to understand what he was saying. "Den
we go on higher," said Nick, pointing towards the bank of the river.

It at once occurred to Tom that the Papuan expected to find a canoe by
which they might escape down the river and get out to sea. He
accordingly without hesitation followed Nick's advice; and the party set
out, following the two Papuans as fast as they could run, hoping to
avoid being seen by the enemy. Instead, however, of keeping down the
stream, as Tom expected they would do, they proceeded up it.

"I suppose they think we shall find a canoe in that direction more
likely than below," said Tom to Desmond, "but it won't do to turn back."

They continued along the bank in the direction their guides led them,
thus getting further and further from the coast. They had gone on some
way when Tom asked Nick whether he was sure they should find a canoe.

"Yes, yes, sure," was the answer.

"We shall soon get back with the current," observed Desmond. "It won't
make much difference, indeed it will be sufficient if we wait until
dark, and then we shall run but little risk of being seen."

The two Papuans were still positive that before long they would find a
canoe. Casey was of the same opinion, although on what he grounded it,
it was difficult to say. When they stopped they could hear the enemy
shouting and shrieking behind them, which convinced them that it would
be safer to go on than to turn back. At last, after a run of several
miles along the banks of the river, they caught sight of five canoes
hauled up on the shore, and not far off several huts. None of the
inhabitants were visible; perhaps they had gone down to defend their
shores from the expected invasion of the white men.

"Hurrah! we are all right now!" cried Desmond. "We will take the best
canoe, and it might be prudent to smash the others to prevent the enemy
giving chase to us."

"Let us get our own into the water first, and see about that
afterwards," said Tom, looking about for paddles. He found enough for
each of his party, and a couple besides, which were carried off.

It took some little time to launch the canoe, which was somewhat heavy
and drawn up at a distance from the water. Tom seated himself aft to
steer. Desmond and Billy sat next to him, Casey and Peter next, and the
two Pap