fear nothing," said the captain. "I have braved danger among
civilized nations, and I can afford to despise savages. If you do not
wish it, however, I will continue my voyage."

"Don't do that, sir," replied Mont. "I'll chance the niggers. Let us
land. I know Carl and Stump would like it."

"And you, Mr. Professor?" said the captain.

"I, sir, will go anywhere in the interests of science," replied Homer
Woddle, with a nervous tremor in his voice which showed he did not like
savages.

The news raised the boys' spirits to the highest pitch.

After confinement on board the _Searcher_ the prospect of going on land
was enchanting.

No matter what danger they might encounter they were ready.

Carl whispered that they might have a chance of escaping.

Mont said nothing, but he was of the same opinion.

CHAPTER XXI.

ON LAND ONCE MORE.

The party were allowed to go on shore without even promising to return,
and the heart of each beat high with the prospect of liberty before
them.

Professor Woddle explained that they might traverse the country nearby,
and so get to some port, but the journey would be perilous in the
extreme.

His advice was to camp in the wood, obtain fresh provisions, and await
the course of events.

Stump alone was in doubt.

"The captain," he remarked, "is a wonderful man, and knows perfectly
well what he is about. He has told us we shall never again set our feet
on civilized ground, has he not?"

"Yes. Everyone knows that," answered the professor.

"He'll keep his word, and I'll bet a new hat we are on board again
to-morrow, or perhaps to-day."

"I'll take you," replied Mont, "though how the bet is to be paid I don't
know, as there are no hat shops on board the boat."

"I'd give something to find out all about our skipper," said Carl. "He
is the most curious beggar I ever met. All four of us are not a match
for him."

"Speak for yourself, my young but still intelligent friend," answered
the professor. "Time will show."

"We'll have some fresh meat soon," observed Stump, "and if you'll trust
the cooking to me, Master Mont, you shall have a dinner fit for a king
in half an hour after running down the game."

"A little venison or wild boar, which is pork, would be very
acceptable," answered the professor; "and my knowledge of natural
history enables me to tell you that we shall find both on this island
which we are about to visit."

"Roast pork--lovely! It makes my mout