Read "The Lakewood Boys in the South Sea Islands" by L.P. Wyman online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
"That sure helps," Jack declared, as Bob finished his prayer.
"I hope uncle and the others won't try to find us right away."
"How come?"
"Because someone'll get killed if they do."
"But you know they will. They're probably on their way here right now."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"Think they'll find us right off?"
"I don't know. We aren't very far away, you know, but that grass is so lodged in all sorts of ways that I don't know's they'll be able to pick up our trail."
"But they'll find us sooner or later."
"Sure they will and then there'll be a fight."
"But they must know about the blow-pipes, don't you think?"
"Sure they do, and I reckon they'll be careful."
For some moments they were silent, each busy with his own thoughts. It was quiet outside for the most part, although they could now and then hear the sound of jabbering. After that seemed a long time, but in reality was not more than an hour from the time they had arrived, the leader stuck his head into the hut and motioned for them to come out.
"I've got an idea," Bob whispered as they got to their feet. "Be careful and don't start anything."
"What you going to do? " Jack asked anxiously.
"No time to tell you now. Watch and you'll see."
As they emerged from the hut, they saw the group of native men sitting on the ground in the form of a circle a short distance away, and toward them the man urged them.
"Council of war, I reckon," Jack whispered.
"Likely. Watch your step," Bob again cautioned.
Into the midst of the circle the native pushed them and they noticed that the women of the tribe were gathered a short distance away eagerly watching the proceedings. Jack's mind was busy, wondering what Bob was going to do and he did not have long to wait before finding out. Once they were within the circle, the leader took his place beside one of the others and at once began jabbering at them making many gestures with both hands. Of course they were unable to understand what he was saying, but, when he paused, Bob held up one hand and Jack saw that, between his thumb and finger, he held up a bright half dollar. Instantly he knew his plan.