point was made of stone or flint, ground almost to needle-like
sharpness and securely fastened in place by a fine tendon wound around
the portion of the stick that held the harder part. This was covered
with a gummy substance extending to the end.

This he was satisfied was among the most virulent of substances known
to toxicology. A puncture of the skin was sure to be fatal unless some
remedy, of whose existence he held no suspicion, was instantly
obtainable.

He had set down his rifle white examining the weapon, but quickly
caught it up again, still retaining the javelin in his right band. He
had been startled by the sound of the terrific threshing among the
trees on his right.

He supposed that his friend was coming back, but, glancing toward the
point where he expected him to appear, he was amazed to see the third
native, who whisked off before Long could draw a bead on him, step from
the wood not twenty paces away. His back was toward the Professor,
and, strangely enough, he did not observe the white man--an oversight
that never could have occurred, but for the tumult in the undergrowth
which held his attention.

Grimcke had hardly caught sight of him, when the other native came
flying to view, so astonishing his waiting comrade that he stood a
moment irresolute after the white pursuer burst into sight.

Brief as was this pause, it gave the Professor time for some
exceedingly fine work. He uttered a shout which caused the native to
turn his affrighted gaze behind him, just in time to observe the white