"We’ll take the craft up a bit and follow the supposed direction," said Captain Jones. "Ten to one there’ll be some sort of a clearing further on. Tilt the forward planes, McPherson. That’s enough; keep her as she is and carry on." For nearly two miles the "Pride of Rhodesia" flew steadily over the tree-tops. So dense was the foliage that for the whole of that distance no sign of the ground was visible. "Are you prepared to have a bullet through the envelope of the airship?" asked Captain Restronguet. "No, I’m not," replied Jones bluntly. "Why?" "We offer a tempting mark. If any of those rogues spot us and open fire----" "There they are!" exclaimed Hythe. CHAPTER XXXII. THE FATE OF VON HARBURG. The sub pointed to a glade in the forest slightly to the north of the course the "Pride of Rhodesia" was following. Here the ground rose gradually, and save for a few prickly pear-trees was destitute of verdure. Four roughly-constructed tents made from ships’ sails had been erected, with a breast-work of boxes surrounding, except for a narrow opening that gave access to the camp. Seven or eight men, regardless of the blazing sun, were lying down or sitting with their backs propped up against the boxes. No attempt had apparently been made to post sentries or to take any steps against a possible surprise, although every man had either a rifle or a revolver close to hand. "Wonder they haven’t heard our motors," remarked Captain Jones, as he ordered the engines to be stopped and the quick-firers to be manned. "They must be sound asleep. I vote we cover them pretty tightly, fire a blank shot and summon them to surrender at discretion." "They’ll fight; they know that as prisoners they’ll have a halter round their necks," said Captain Restronguet. "But where are the others? There were several more of the rascals." "How many, do you think?" "Not less than thirty all told." "Well, here goes," ejaculated the "Pride of Rhodesia’s" Captain. "Fire a blank from the for’ard starboard quick-firer, Evans. That ought to give them a shake up." The forest re-echoed to the sharp detonation of the gun, but not a man of von Harburg’s party stirred. From the trees myriads of birds, alarmed by the report, rose and flew terrified away, uttering harsh and discordant cries. Then a strange silence brooded over the solitary camp. Captain Restronguet and Hythe exchanged glances. The look was significant. Captain Jones whistled softly. "There’s murderous work down there," he remarked. "Sure, sorr, they are as dead as door-nails," exclaimed O’Shaunessey. "Faith, I can see it is a bash over the head as that man has. ’Twould take more than a rale Irish shillelah to do that." "We must investigate," said Captain Restronguet. "Don’t fancy it somehow," objected Captain Jones.