As the youths darted to one side, a shot rang out; another; and still another. A moment later the wild boar sank to the ground in a crumpled mass, gave a convulsive twitch, and then lay still. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton came running up, on their faces a look of apprehension. "A narrow escape!" said Joe grimly. "It's a good thing you came across with those high-speed bullets. They sure did the job, all right." "We just happened to glance around in time," explained his father. "We didn't know you boys were so far behind. Why didn't you bring larger rifles?" "Weren't expecting to meet such a creature as this," replied Bob. "I had an idea that this was a tame country, but I see I'm wrong," with a glance at the wild boar. "You certainly are," smiled Mr. Holton, shaking his head. "And this incident may be the beginning of a series of adventures with wild animals. Where there's one of a thing there's likely to be another. So stick close, boys. I'd hate to have to rely on those twenty-twos again." The wild boar was shattered by the bullets and was no good as a specimen. The naturalists especially wanted one of these terrible beasts and were put out to think that this one had been made worthless by the rifles, but they were thankful that they had been able to come to the rescue of their sons. With one last look at the creature they resumed the hike, this time keeping a closer lookout for any other formidable beast. As they penetrated deeper into the forest, signs of life began to increase in numbers. Small rodents darted out, only to be brought down by the guns of the naturalists; lizards of grotesque and ugly shapes were all about; birds of many colors flew overhead, their plumage showing brightly in the sunlight. It was a sight that the youths never grew tired of. Suddenly a jackal ran out, and Mr. Holton lost no time in firing at it. It was carefully but quickly skinned and placed in the burlap bag for the specimens. "This forest certainly is untrodden," observed Mr. Lewis, unable to discern the faintest traces of human tracks. "It has probably been a long time since anyone broke into its fastness." "Which is all the better for us," said Joe. "Animals here probably have never heard the sound of a gun before." Along toward noon they picked out a small grassy area and got out the kit of lunch. The sandwiches were spread on a paper, and thermos bottles of cold lemonade were opened. To the tired adventurers it promised to be a feast fit for a king. "No meal in the most luxurious café tastes better than a bountiful lunch in the heart of a forest," said Mr. Lewis. Bob's father nodded. "It has been said that no one but an explorer really knows what an appetite is," he remarked. "And in times when I'm working in the museum at home and not doing any strenuous work I can fully realize the truth of it."