lper, whom he supposed to have been pierced by the poisoned
weapon of the Murhapa; but when he had passed around the apartment and
across it several times, until assured that not a foot of square space
had been neglected he awoke to the fact that Bippo was not there.

It was hardly probable that he had entered the front apartment, but he
made inquiry of the Professor. The latter replied that he had heard
nothing of him; but, since he had a few minutes that could be spared
without danger for that purpose, he went through a search similar to
that of his friend.

"He is not here," called the Professor, in a guarded undertone.

The surprising conclusion followed that the fellow after all had
effected his escape from the building, though how it was done puzzled
the two whom he left behind.

Bippo had got away by yielding to one of those sudden inspirations
which sometimes come to a person. Hearing the explorers speaking about
a stealthy withdrawal by the rear, he decided to anticipate them.
Without pausing to debate the matter or ask for permission, he slipped
out the rear door and moved rapidly off in a crouching posture.

He must have been seen by numbers of the Murhapas, but was mistaken for
one of their own number.

The error cannot be regarded as remarkable, when it is recalled that
Bippo bore a strong resemblance to the savages around them. He was
dressed the same and carried a spear similar to the missiles used by
them. Though he lacked their bushy heads and stature, these were not
marked enough to attract notice at a time when the Murhapas knew that
several of their number had been defeated in their efforts to enter the
structure from the rear.

With his wits sharpened by his danger, Bippo displayed admirable
discretion. Showing no undue haste or flurry, he avoided too close
acquaintance with the savages, who were so absorbed in the work of
securing the destruction of the white men that they paid less attention
to such an incident than they would at any other time.

So it was that he edged farther and farther away, until he found
himself so close to the woods that he whisked among the trees without
any one questioning or trying to check him. He was free at last, and,
as if Dame Fortune had decided to take him in charge, he had hardly
reached the margin of the Xingu, at a point considerably below the
village, when he almost stumbled over Pedros, who was waiting and
wondering what he ought to do next.