e, which was explained to the boys, and this offered a
great sense of security to them.

The sides had been made high with this end in view, and not for the
purpose of hauling big loads. If attacked in the open, it would serve as
a fort, and would enable them to move around from one side, or end, to
the other without being exposed. In anticipation all the guns were
examined and the ammunition placed within reach and conveniently
arranged for any emergency.

The provisions were also arranged to prepare for a siege if necessary.
During that evening the Professor for the first time explained in detail
how the natives would be approached.

"I think it is well, now that we are about to come in contact with the
people here, to be prepared to meet them in the proper way, so as to
insure safety to ourselves. It is likely that we shall have to treat
with the natives, and thus come to some understanding, before we entrust
ourselves to their mercy. Above all things, we want to impress on them
the feeling that we are not antagonistic and have no hostile intentions.
We are unfortunate in not knowing the character of the dwellers on the
island. They may have had frequent contact with the outside world. That
may, or it may not, mitigate our lot. So we cannot count on that factor
too much. If they are low down in the scale of humanity, we may find a
still harder problem. In any event, however, this must be made plain.
The wagon is our fort. From that we can defy them, unless they have
firearms.

"From this time on let us keep together----"

Something unusual stirred beyond. The crackling of twigs was plainly
recognized, and the mumbling sound of voices could be made out. They
were human voices, but their intonations, as they came nearer, were
sufficient to show that the language was not that of civilized people.
They were more in the nature of successive grunts, not much more
definable than the noises of animals.

They were wrought up to the highest tension, and the only fear was that
either Angel or the yaks would make some noise which might attract the
passers-by. To their great relief the sounds died away. This visit would
have been welcomed during the daytime, but at night they could not
afford to take any risks.

This incident showed they were now in an enemy's country. The river was
fully ten miles to the west of them. How far the encampment or village
of the inhabitants was to the south they could only imperfectly
estim