rection. I repeat that there is but one thing to be done: that is
to push northward, as I said, until we reach a people too far removed
to be affected by this deviltry."

"To find a simple people where our knowledge of medicine will cause us
to be looked upon as superior beings. I have discovered a remedy for
the bite of a cobra which will stand one in good stead, should a native
be bitten. They believe, you know, as does the rest of the world, that
the bite of this serpent is certain death. But I have discovered a
remedy, the necessary drugs of which I carry in this case," touching
the leather case strapped to his back.

"Beyond all doubt. You have tested this remedy of yours?"

"I have, twice."

"Upon man or brute?"

"Upon both."

CHAPTER XI.

A COLLISION.

Although the two physicians were deeply interested in the question of
toxicology they could not forget their situation and its perils. The
craft had nearly completed its half mile to the mouth of the tributary
which it was intended to ascend, when the polemen, pausing for a
moment's rest, whispered that they heard the sound of paddles again.

"_There they are_!"

It was Jack Everson who uttered the exclamation, loud enough for all to
hear. He pointed down stream as he spoke, and every one perceived the
dreaded boat returning.

Although nearer at hand than before, it seemed to be following the
course of the river, and there was hope that it would again pass
without discovering the shrinking ones so near land.

When first observed the other boat was fifty yards out and not quite so
far down stream. Moving against the current its progress was slower
than before, but its advance was plainly perceptible. The craft of the
white people had lost the momentum imparted by the poling, and was now
controlled only by the current, which was so sluggish close to the land
that the motion was hardly noticeable.

The hopes of our friends steadily rose until the other boat was almost
directly abreast. It would seem that if the occupants intended
attacking they would have veered inward before this, but there could be
no assurance so long as they remained visible.

Every one started when the gaunt, sloping figure suddenly became
upright at the prow of the boat and stood motionless. He had ceased
using the pole that he had been plying with so much vigor. At the same
moment the noise of the paddles ceased, proving that the men
controlling them had als