The keenest hearing could not detect the faint whizz, while the roar of
the rapids was in their ears, and they had to depend, therefore, on
their eyes, which promised to be of little more service.

But the entire distance was almost passed, and the hearts of the two
were beating high with increasing hope, when Long, with a gasp of
terror, grasped the arm of the Professor with incredible force, and
jerking him backward, pointed with his extended finger to the camp in
front of them.




CHAPTER V.

THE NATIVE VILLAGE.

Meanwhile, Fred Ashman and Aaron Johnston the sailor, found themselves
involved in a most stirring experience.

After studying the path or trail which led directly from the camp into
the vast forest, stretching to an unknown distance from the Xingu, the
young man decided to follow the route which he believed had been formed
by persons instead of the wild animals of the wilderness.

Johnston was disposed to complain, but he was deeply attached to the
manly partner in the exploring enterprise, and there was no reasonable
peril which he would not willingly face in his defence.