decided that the mast should be twenty feet
long, and the boom sixteen feet, thus giving a sail area, approximately,
of 150 square feet.

CHAPTER XVI

DISCOVERY OF THE SAVAGES' HUTS

While it was true that up to this time they had indirect evidence only
of the existence of human beings on the island, several events occurred,
at this time, which not only pointed more clearly to such a condition,
but they began to feel that leaving the Cataract would be a hazardous
thing.

The first incident occurred during one of the hunting expeditions in
which the boys engaged. It had been their custom to penetrate the forest
below the South River, not very far, it is true, but the sport there was
most exhilarating to them after each week's work.

The Professor had always encouraged this. "You have not taken your usual
weekly outing," he remarked, "and I feel we ought to have some wild
game. If you have time, on your next trip, make it a point to explore
the region to the south and west of the falls."

"That section interests me also," answered George. "I have often wished
we could go down near the mountain range."

"Couldn't you go with us?" interposed Harry, "and let us make a day of
it?"

"I should like to do so," he replied. "But I have good reason for
declining at this time, on account of some special work which is
attracting my attention, particularly in preparing the instruments we
shall need on our voyage."

"That is true," answered George. "But we shall certainly start early
enough in the morning to enable us to visit that section, and go far
enough to get some idea of what it looks like near the mountain."

"It would be a good idea," suggested Harry, "to take the team along, as
far as the river, at any rate, and that will give us an opportunity to
ride going and coming. In that way it will help us."

"Yes; and to carry the game," said George, with a laugh.

"If you bag as big game as you did on the last trip, you will need the
wagon," replied the Professor.

They were on the way early in the morning, with the guns and plenty of
ammunition, and before nine o'clock reached the river. Scarcity of rains
had considerably lowered the stream, and they discussed the advisability
of fording the team across.

"I am in favor of the idea, if the stream isn't too deep. It seems to be
shallow enough."

"Suppose, George, we take out the raft, and try the depth. If we find
the animals will have to swim, we had bet