condition of mind.

He questioned Bippo more particularly as to the appearance and actions
of the strangers. It was clear that he, as well as the other two,
still believed the couple on the opposite bank were Grimcke and Long;
though when reminded that it was impossible that they could have
crossed and recrossed the stream in such a brief time, and without any
means except that of swimming, they only shook their heads, signifying
that, though they could not explain _that_ feature of the strange
business, they would not yield their belief.

Ashman asked further, directing his question to each of the natives in
turn, whether they saw the parties plainly enough to make sure they
were white men. The servants were positive on this point, adding the
distracting statement that they were dressed precisely like the two
absent members of the little company, and that each carried a rifle as
they did.

"Same ones--same ones; don't know how cross riber, but allee same do
so," repeated Bippo, with a grin.

By this time the swiftly moving canoe was well on the way to the camp
which it had left so abruptly, and, a minute later, Ashman sprang out
and grasped the hand of each of his friends in turn.

In a few words he explained the extraordinary incidents of the last
half hour, receiving in return the story of the experience of the
Professor and his companion. The latter were deeply touched by the
loss of Johnston. Danger tends to draw the members of a party closely
together, and, despite the peculiar disposition of the sailor, the