it at this moment to his right hand, holding the arrow in place against
the string with the same hand, while the weapon was at his side. Then
he moved a step or two, as if to meet the stranger.

"Look out!" called the vigilant New Englander, "that chap is up to some
deviltry."

He did not refer to him with the bow and arrow, but to one of the
others, who stealthily turned aside and vanished among the trees.
Being in the Professor's line of vision the latter observed the
suspicious movement, and it cannot be said that it added to his comfort.

Meanwhile the archer advanced, but with such tardy step that it was
evident he was timing his pace to that of his comrade who had so
stealthily entered the wood. Convinced that his real peril lay among
those trees, Grimcke began a backward movement with such caution that
he hoped it would not be noticed by the native who was approaching with
a sluggish pace.

The forest, like all those in South America, was so dense that great
care was necessary for one to pick his way through it. The Professor's
theory was that the savage with the spear would regulate his movements
on the theory that the white man would not stir from the place where he
had first halted. He would thus aim to secure a position from which he
could hurl his javelin at him without detection. Grimcke conceived
this was certain to take place, and, if he remained where he was,
nothing could save him from the treacherous assault. It was a matter,
therefore, of self preservation that dictated the brief retreat with
the hope of thus disconcerting the savage.