284 



AT THE VILLAGE. 



The Bushman shook his head, to signify they were strangers to him, though h 

 was quick to recognize their tribal character. 



A few moments later the parties met. Jack Harvey and Pongo were allowed to 

 ride slightly ahead, while Bob and Mr. Godkin fell back, prepared to listen and 

 watch, and, if necessary, take part in the proceedings. 



Since the half dozen natives who advanced were members of the party thai 

 had captured Dick Brownell, you do not need anything more in the way ol 

 description. 



But, could you have looked upon them as they met Jack Harvey and Pongo 

 you would have found it hard to believe, even with such hideously ugly faces, thai 

 they had ever done anything cruel or specially bad. So far as it is possible foi 

 Korahs to appear innocent, they , d fa ^~ pursuers would have thought 



were the pictures of innocence. _ W^mJZeia^ Jt unjust to suspect them. 

 Had not the trail of Dick Brow- 

 nell led directly to this spot, his V^SN^W&lJgM ^^ 



N 



THE PARLEY. 



Before anything more than a salutation could take place between the parties, 

 the Texan seized one of those opportunities which, slight of themselves, still have 

 an important bearing on impending events. 



A large bird was circling overhead, as if waiting a chance to swoop down and 

 secure some of the waste food near the huts. It was sailing, with its wings out- 

 spread, at considerable height, but, knowing what he could do, Jack brought hi* 

 gun to his shoulder, and, taking a quick aim, brought it tumbling to the earth. 



His object was to impress the natives with the power of the weapons in the 

 hands of himself and friends. No doubt they had heard of them, but it was well to 

 enlighten their minds. 



There could b* no doubt of the success of the stratagem, the erpressions on the 



