ard step, and this process is repeated.

More than an hour was occupied in learning to manipulate the hoop, so as
to progress upwardly, and at the end of that time Harry made a slow and
careful ascent to the first limb, a distance of thirty feet, stopping at
intervals, as he made his way up, to view the ever-increasing landscape,
and to take the needed rest.

"Do you see anything, Harry?" was George's eager questioning, as he
moved upwardly.

"Nothing yet," was the invariable reply. When the first limb was reached
he seated himself, and had an opportunity to view the surroundings from
a far better vantage point.

"Can you see the river?" was the Professor's inquiry.

"It is too hazy to make out anything there. It is clearer to the south."

"What can you see to the southwest?"

Harry scanned the country in that direction for some time before
replying. "All I can see there are trees, trees, just like the forest we
have been going through; but directly west of us we would have
comparatively easy traveling. The forest seems to extend southwest, and
we have been traveling through it at an angle. If I could get higher I
might have a better view."

He ascended fifteen feet higher, but even at that point the forest hid
the view to the southwest.

"From your examination I judge our only hope is to reach the river and
travel down its banks?"

"Yes; because we don't want any more of the forest with the team."

"Before we go, let us take off the hoop; I want to use it again." And
Harry unwrapped the thongs and disengaged it from the tree.

After luncheon the marching was resumed, this time due west to the
river. The trip during the day told on Jack, and a halt, was called
before they had gone five miles. Harry and John took their guns and
started south on a tour of investigation, making their way toward a
slight elevation which he had noticed from the observation point.

It was really a hill, covered with trees, and gave the appearance, from
the tree top, as being a continuation of the forest range. This was good
news to carry back. While passing through the tallest of the trees,
Harry, who was ahead, felt himself suddenly grasped, and he uttered a
scream.

John rushed forward just as Harry saw the repulsive form of a huge snake
which had wound itself around him. Harry was absolutely helpless in the
folds of the serpent. John's quick eye took in the situation at once,
and by the time he reached Harry the bolo was i