CHAPTER IV

THE WITCH-DOCTOR


Bright and early the next day Frank and Harry were up and stirring,
and the other members of the party were not long in joining them.
The almost innumerable packing cases and chests containing the
duffle, ammunition, armament and the sections of the Golden Eagle
were scattered about the little "compound" or garden of M.
Desplaines' residence, having been brought ashore overnight by a
crew of Kroomen. M. Desplaines appeared while the boys were still
contemplating their outfit and wondering if it would be possible to
accommodate it all in the little flotilla which, it had been
arranged previously, was to take them up the river to the camping
place from which they were to strike out for the Ivory Mountain.

"I really almost envy your trip," he said, "although it will be
fraught with danger. Still you go well armed and provisioned, and
from what I have heard of you, you are not the sort of boys to let a
few obstacles upset you."

While they were still talking and waiting for breakfast to be
announced they were joined by a singular figure. It was that of a
white man in rather shabby ducks and crowned, as was M. Desplaines,
with a huge, white pith helmet. Over one shoulder he carried a