Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle by Victor [pseud.] Appleton
page 77 of 179 (43%)
page 77 of 179 (43%)
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of mud and grass huts were scattered about. As they came nearer they
could see the black savages, naked save for a loin cloth, running about in great excitement, and pointing upward. "Yes, that's one of the numerous small native villages we'll see from now on," said Mr. Durban. "Many a night have I spent in those same grass huts after a day's hunting. Sometimes, I've been comfortable, and again not. I guess we've given those fellows a scare." It did seem so, for by this time the whole population, including women and children, were running about like mad. Suddenly, from below there sounded a deep booming noise, which came plainly to the ears of the elephant hunters through the opened windows of the airship cabin. "Hark! What's that?" cried Tom, raising his hand for silence. "Bless my umbrella! it sounds like thunder," said Mr. Damon. "No, it's one of their war drums," explained Mr. Durban. "The natives make large ones out of hollow trees, with animal skins stretched over the ends, and they beat them to sound a warning, or before going into battle. It makes a great noise." "Do you think they want to fight us?" asked Ned, looking anxiously at Tom, and then toward where his rifle stood in a corner of the cabin. "No, probably that drum was beaten by some of the native priests," |
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