“He doesn’t know much,” replied the sergeant. “The whites were separated from the black captives, so he had little chance to speak to her. But we ought to--oh, well, we’ll start at once, as soon as it is daylight,” said the sergeant, suddenly interrupting himself. “I’ll tell Happy One to have the natives in readiness for a quick start. And--well, I guess that’s all,” he concluded as he walked over to where the messenger was being entertained by the porters. Blake followed. There was something in the manner of Mr. Hotchkiss that worried him. When he got a chance to speak alone to the former soldier the lad asked: “Is there anything wrong, Mr. Hotchkiss? Is there more need for haste than you told?” The man looked around and, seeing neither Joe nor his father near, said: “There is, Blake, grave need of haste, but I didn’t dare speak before them. It seems that within a week these kidnapping natives are to celebrate one of their most cruel feasts. Many sacrifices are to be made and it may be that in their frenzy they may injure the whites. Though up to this time they have been rather in awe of them, for they know the far-reaching power of the British government. “But when they are mad with their religious rites there is no telling what they may do. Yes, there is need of haste. I am going to tell Mr. Piper what I know, and with his help and yours, while keeping Joe and his father in ignorance of the imminent danger, we will make as much speed as we can without seeming to do so.” “A week off; eh?” mused Blake. “That ought to give us plenty of time.” “Yes, but we don’t know what delays we may meet in the jungle,” said the sergeant. “Then, too, this Chako may not have correctly estimated the time it takes. We shall have to prepare for the unexpected. They may proceed with their rites before the week is out. We must hasten.” “That’s right,” agreed Blake. They made an early start next morning, the curious boat Chako had paddled in being put on board one of the rafts. Fortune favored them, for they soon came to a part of the river where the current was swift, and they made good time. The members of the expedition had caught the fever and were anxious to hasten on to try conclusions with their black enemies. Spears and shields were looked to. Some of the natives improvised bows and arrows and a few had blow guns. Our white friends overhauled their weapons and ammunition. “I hope it doesn’t come to a fight,” said Blake. “But if it does----” “We want to be prepared,” finished Mr. Hotchkiss. The boys had no chance now to take moving pictures, even had they been in the mood. All their thoughts were centered on the rescue. Finally the day came when Chako, the lone messenger, indicated that they were to leave the river and strike inland. The rafts were moored to the bank, though it was doubtful if they would be used again, for it would be almost impossible to pole them up stream.