able to surmise something serious has happened when he hears of
their arrival and will send aid. In the meantime we have to
consider what we are to do about the ivory cache."

As a matter of fact, as the boys learned later, none of the canoes
ever reached the coast, being intercepted by river-tribes.

"I vote for going ahead," cried Harry, catching the optimistic note
that his brother's words conveyed.

"That's the stuff," cried the young leader, "that is exactly what I
was going to propose."

"How about you, red-top?" asked Billy turning to Lathrop.

"Of course I'm on," was the reply.

"I hate to dash your enthusiasm," said Frank, "but you fellows must
see that it is impossible for all of us to go. My plan is to take
Ben Stubbs along and leave you fellows and Sikaso here to guard the
camp. Then, too, there is the possibility of a relief expedition
arriving as soon as they discover that we have lost our canoes."

Old Sikaso leant apart on his mighty war-axe. He seemed to regret
heartily that he had not had an opportunity of testing its metal on
the head of the knavish Portuguese.

"What do you say to that plan, Sikaso?" asked Frank, who already
placed a high value on the old warrior's judgment.