going to get hold of two or three rifles and some ammunition. That's easy,
because they leave them about all the time. And what you girls want to do
is to hide some food and get a bottle of water."

"What about Craig?" the Professor asked.

"We are going to take him along," Quest declared grimly. "He's had the
devil's own luck so far, but it can't last forever. I'll see to that part
of the business, if you others get ready and wait for me to give the
signal.... What's that?"

They all looked around. There had been a little rustling amongst the
canopy of bushes. Quest peered through and returned, frowning.

"Feerda again," he muttered. "She hangs around all the time, trying to
listen to what we are saying. She couldn't have heard this, though. Now,
girls, remember. When the food is about this evening, see how much you can
get hold of. I know just where to find the guns and the horses. Let's
separate now. The Professor and I will go on a beetle hunt."

They dispersed in various directions. It was not until late in the
evening, when the Mongars had withdrawn a little to indulge in their
customary orgy of crooning songs, that they were absolutely alone. Quest
looked out of the tent in which they had been sitting and came back again.

"Well?"

Laura lifted her skirt and showed an unusual projection underneath.

"Lenora and I have pinned up our petticoats," she announced. "We've got