FUNNY VISITORS. 22J 



guide led them to the side of the camp facing the tall grass along the river, the 

 place where the single wild man had appeared some time before, and most likely to 

 be used as a screen by a party of them. 



" Don't go too far," whispered Bob. " for remember we are in plain sight of any 

 One in the grass." 



Pongo halted, and the three stood peering into the obscurity. 



Everything seemed quiet and motionless, not the slightest object being in sight 

 But Pongo was not the one to be misled, and the cousins were as certain that 

 danger lurked in the vegetation as if they beheld it with their own eyes. 



The three had stood in the attitude of intense attention but a few minutes, when 

 % soft rustling in the grass proved that the Bushman was right; something was 

 there. 



"It seems strange," whispered Dick, "that the wild men should betray them- 

 selves like that." 



"They haven't betrayed themselves as much as we." 



"But they know sh ! see there ! " 



The slightest possible glimpse was caught of a head as it rose above the vege- 

 tation, instantly dropping out of sight again. 



There was just enough moonlight to enable the watchers to trace the outlines, 

 which, dim as they were, awakened the wonder of the three by the fact that, instead 

 of being covered with a huge mass of bushy hair, the head appeared to be bare 

 fend smaller than one of their own. 



Before anything was said about this peculiarity, the head popped up again, thea 

 another and another arose, until fully half a dozen had come to view, all going up 

 nd down like so many jacks-in-the-box. 



What did it mean t 



Pongo was heard to laugh softly, and he uttered one word which solved the 

 mystery: 



"Monkeys!" 



A party of the creatures appeared to have ventured out from the adjoining 

 jungles, with the intention of investigating the encampment that had been near 

 them for several days. 



Our friends had seen hundreds of monkeys since entering Bechuana Land, but 

 gave them little attention, because they considered it more important to capture 

 other game. Monkeys are plentiful in many parts of the world (even the poor 

 organ-grinders being able to afford them), and they can be obtained without diffi- 

 culty. 



For this reason, Mr. Godkin decided that none would be captured unless they 

 rame upon some rare specimens. 



" I guess it's safe to go back and sit down," remarked Dick Brownell with a 

 Augh, as he turned about, followed by his companions. 



" I wonder what has possessed them to pay us a visit ? " said Bob, as they re- 

 sumed their seats, Pongo returning to his station. 



