the prisoner, without fear of dire attacks from that sharp beak seemed
more determined than ever to try and keep Jim; and he frowned every time
he saw Bumpus observing the, bird thoughtfully, because he imagined the
fat scout might be hatching up a scheme for choking the thick-necked
prisoner, in revenge for what he had suffered from its savage thrust.

Finally a loud shout was heard from Giraffe, who, being so much taller
than the balance of the scouts, and possessed of a neck he could stretch
to an alarming degree, was in a position to see much further than the
rest.

"The village is in sight!" he announced, whereat there was a cheer, the
owl commenced to struggle afresh, and Step Hen had his hands full trying
to quiet his feathered prisoner.

With their goal now close at hand the boys were able to step out at a
more lively pace, even Bumpus showing surprising gains.

About ten o'clock they arrived at the settlement where they had seen
some sort of dock, at which a couple of ore barges of the whaleback type
were being loaded.

Already the eager eyes of the boys had discovered a boat that answered
the description of the one they expected to find awaiting them.

Making straight for the place they found that they had guessed rightly.
That good sized powerboat was the Chippeway Belle, the vessel which was
to be their home for the next two weeks or more, as they pleased.

An investigation revealed the fact that their stores were all aboard, as