A Cl.KVl K STRATAGEM. 



273 



and was not conscious of having stirred since leaning against the tree. Nevertne- 

 less, the fixed stare caused him to shrink farther away, until the trunk of the tree 

 interposed between him and the camp, and he simply peered around the bark. 



Still the fixed look of the wild man continued, until there could be no doubt 

 that something in the direction of the youth had caught his eye or ear. 



Dick was so alarmed that he was on the point of whirling about and making a 

 break for the depths of the jungle, heedless of what dangers he might encounter in 

 the form of wild beasts or serpents, when the native who had caused this alarm 

 said something in a guttural voice to his companion, who also turned and looked 

 in the same direction. 



" By gracious ! " thought the 

 youth, " they have found I am here, 

 though I can't imagine how they 

 lid it." 



But the second wild man made 

 some reply that appeared to satisfy 

 the other, for, withdrawing his gaze, 

 he once more gave his undivided 

 attention to the task before him. 



The time had come to turn the 

 food again, and a few minutes after 

 it was done to a turn. 



Being removed from its place 

 over the blaze, each of the cooks 

 produced a long knife from the cloth 

 at his waist, and cut enormous slices 

 from the carcass, tossing one in turn 

 to the waiting savages, who ate with 

 the gusto of wild animals. 



The same fearful suspicion was 

 in the mind of the lad, who, know- 

 ing he was doing wrong in staying, 

 felt that he must wait until some 



turn took place in the extraordinary proceedings. While they were thus engaged, 

 Dick Brownell counted them. There were just ten, and all seemed on an equality 

 at least, from their appearance and action, it was impossible to pick out one as 

 the chief or leader. 



Standing thus a few minutes longer our young friend once more counted them 

 and was astonished to find only nine. 



" That's queer," he said to himself; " I was sure I hadn't made a mistake, but 

 certainly there- are but nine. What could have become of the other? I don't think 

 they could have eaten him, for 1 am sure I would have seen it." 



Despite the ferocity with which the wild men assailed the food when first handed 



His ARMS WRRR SUDDENLY SEIZED." 



