hat
the Taharans and Gorols are not used to this country and won't know
much about fighting in the jungle."

"That's so, they will be at a disadvantage in a battle with these
jungle savages who know every inch of the ground," said Dan
thoughtfully. "They're brave enough but it would help if they had a
few of the natives of the section to show them the way around."

"Never mind, we will take a chance," said Dick. "We're going to win
out! And come through with flying colors!"

CHAPTER XI

KING SOLOMON'S CROWN

Suddenly Mutaba raised both arms above his head and opened and closed
his hands rapidly.

It was a signal.

The paddlers in the following canoes slowed down and the leader in each
little vessel relayed the silent order until the last boat had received
it.

The keen-eyed jungle tracker had spied an opening in the wall of trees
and vines that Dick and his friend could hardly see, even when the
canoe was making straight for it.

Apparently the little vessel which was headed right across the stream
was about to run its nose into the bank, but at a muttered warning from
Mutaba the crew ducked low and the canoe glided under a leafy fringe
and entered a creek that allowed free passage.

As the stream widened Dick could see it extending like a black trail
deep into the forest. Here the shadows were so heavy that there was
not enough light for plants that grow close to the ground, consequently
the undergrowth was not so dense as it was near the river bank.

Dick and Dan could see farther into the shadowy depths after their eyes
became accustomed to the twilight, and now and then they saw a fleeting
shape, so distant that it could not be recognized as man or beast.

"This is ghostly," whispered Dan. "A magic forest, if there ever was
one!"

"Cheer up! We have strong magic on our side," smiled Dick. "The
Mahatma is with us. We would be lost without him."

"Old Whiskers--I mean, Mahatma Sikandar, is right there with the
goods!" Dan was enthusiastic. "Say, I hope he won't hold it against me
that I was so fresh."

"Don't worry. His mind is full of important things. I'm sure he
thinks of your wise-cracks as less than the dust."

"It's up to me to do something brave and prove to the Mahatma that I am
more than a smart aleck."

"That's the right spirit! I have the feeling that a big scrap is about
to break. You'll have plenty of chances to show what you can do."

"Watch me! If I can lay h