CHAPTER L. 



LIVELY TIMES. 



DESPITE the eagerness of Jack Harvey, and in the face of the impression 

 he had made by the display of marksmanship, the Korah spokesman con- 

 tinued to parry his verbal ruses, with a temerity that surprised Bob and 

 Mr. Godkin. 



The Texan was the owner of a fiery temper when aroused, and more than once 

 he was at the exploding point. When he rested his right hand on one of his revolv- 

 ers, the temptation to snatch it out and put a bullet through the impudent native 

 was almost irresistible. 



It would have been in keeping with the old hilarious times, had he, holding a 

 pistol in each hand, galloped back and forth among the huts, firing at a head 

 wherever it appeared, and " cleaning out " the African town in genuine American 

 border style. 



But his fear of the consequences to Dick restrained him. Convinced that his 

 young friend was somewhere in that little hamlet, he was yet unable to locate him, 

 and any sudden dash on his part might precipitate a calamity that would have 

 been beyond remedy. 



While Pongo was interpreting the utterances that were rapidly growing heated, 

 Mr. Godkin and Bob Marshall allowed not a syllable to escape them. More than 

 that, the young man was searching through the hamlet with his eyes for some clue 

 that would tell him the new:; he was so anxious to learn. 



" Mr. Godkin," he suddenly said in a lower voice, " I believe 1 know where 

 Dick is." 



" What do you mean ? " asked the director. 



"Did you notice that hut in front of which these six wretches were standing 

 when we rode to the top of the hill ? '' 



I did." 



" They've got Dick in there." 



" What's your reason for thinking so ? " 



" Jack says there were a dozen in the party; here are only half a dozen; where 

 are the rest ? " 



" I do not see that the answer to that question involves anything, since other 

 natives are in sight and they may be among them." 



" But there are several in that same hut, where these were standing. They are 

 inside and are trying to keep out of view. I have seen their faces several times at 

 the door, which is the only opening; I believe Dick is in there and they are holding 

 him prisoner, so that he dare net show himself." 



M 



