THE TRIP THROUGH THE DENSE FOREST
On the march up Cataract River, and out toward the forest, the same
order was observed as on the previous trips. One must lead the way, and
act as scout, while the others were to remain with the team. They did
not anticipate much difficulty during the first two or three days from
savages, but it was always well to have some one in the lead so as to
point out the most desirable paths, as it must be remembered they had to
make their own trails through a wilderness. Much of it had been
traveled, it is true, but there was nothing approaching such a thing as
a road, or even a path, by which they could be guided.
It was amusing to watch Angel, as he glided along from one tree to the
next, where the forests were in their paths. At other times he would be
in the wagon, or shamble along, and sometimes leap on the backs of the
yaks and ride there. The patient animals were so used to him that no
attention was paid to his antics, even though he occasionally sat on the
yoke between the animals.
John was an interested observer of all the preparations, and was one of
the first to take his place alongside of the wagon. When the Professor
urged him to take a seat he looked up inquiringly, but did not comply.
The Professor did not urge him, but after several hours of walking, he
was again asked to mount, and he did so, thereby seeming to understand
what was required of him.
When they camped at noon for the first meal, they were still on the
banks of the Cataract, but here it took a decided turn to the west; and
now the course for the afternoon must be to the southwest so the South
River could be reached above the falls.
That river was reached early in the afternoon, and they recognized the
trail formerly made on the first journey along its banks. The first
encampment for the night was probably twenty miles from home, but the
next morning, after they had struck into an entirely new section of the
island, the journey grew more burdensome, as the land on both sides of
the stream became rough, and in many places the small streams crossed
offered such steep sides that frequent detours had to be made to enable
the team to get across.
During the second day they did not, on account of this, cover more than
ten miles, and near the close of the day a second falls was reached,
showing that they were going up to a much higher altitude. Above the
falls the river turned abruptly to the south, and within five miles of
it the river forked, one branch going south and the other southwest.
They were on the branch going west, and that course was followed, but
still the country was rough, and now became thickly wooded, which added
to the discomfort of traveling with a team. Magnificent trees grew on
every side, and in most places sprang up clear to the water's edge.
"You have here a good illustration," remarked the Professor, "as to the
source of the debris which is found on the shores of the island. The
streams carry down the logs, trees and leaves, which, after being washed
out to sea, are finally left along the beaches."
Our voyagers had passed many nights in the forests before, but this was
the first time they had come across such impenetrable jungles. The large
trees were actually so close together at many places that the wagon had
to be backed and worked around for long distances to enable them to make
any forward movements.
Before noon of the third day it became so discouraging that they stopped
to consider the situation. Possibly a route away from the river would be
much better, and that course was decided on, so that the direction
agreed on was west, with a slight trend to the north.
The reason why the course along the river would be the most direct was
judged from the fact that the lights, which they saw from their boat,
made the location of the savages fully fifty miles or over from the
northernmost cape where they had been cast ashore a few weeks before.
The travel must, therefore, be to the southwest, and not to the west,
but at the rate they were going, with every hour more difficult, it was
hoped that the new course would in the end be quicker. All of that day
the struggle was a strenuous one, and when night came all were
exhausted, and were ready to retire as soon as the meal was over.
They were in the midst of the thickest forest, and up to this time all
had retired, as they did on this occasion. The yaks were enclosed in a
railing made of small trees, so as to protect them, and the two
mattresses within the covered body made comfortable beds for all.
Strange sounds occasionally disturbed them, but caused no particular
alarm, until Angel began to grow restless, about two in the morning.
George tried to quiet him, but he persisted in giving the alarm.
Suddenly a howl and a shriek awoke the occupants of the wagon and as
each arose he instinctively grasped a weapon. The sounds came from two
animals, one of which was close by; the other at a greater distance.
"The one near us seems to be a wildcat, or an animal which utters a
characteristic shriek of that kind, but I am not sure as to the identity
of the other animal," remarked the Professor, as he listened intently to
the hideous howls and shrieks.
It was pitch dark, so that it was impossible to recognize anything in
the wagon, and of course the dense forests only added to the gloom,
although the sky could be faintly seen directly above them through the
scraggly leaves. The Professor searched for one of the lanterns, when he
heard the yaks becoming uneasy, and running back and forth in the little
enclosure.
John was awake, and his eyes seemed to have a sort of glimmer as the
light flared up. The rear end of the wagon led directly into the pen
where the animals were, and no sooner had the light rays illuminated the
enclosure than a heavy object sprang from an adjoining tree and landed
on one of the yaks.
The latter was thrown across the pen with the impact of the force, and
the Professor, who had the lamp, could not level his gun, but without a
moment's hesitation John's gun was at his shoulder, and he fired before
either of the boys could recover themselves in the excitement.
The firing of the gun seemed to raise pandemonium. The sudden appearance
of the light, as the animal made the leap, disconcerted him, and the
shot following immediately, caused him to utter a terrific growl. John
grasped the Professor's gun and shot the second time, and the shot was
at blank range. The animal gave a slight spring forward, and fell across
a tree trunk which was at one side of the enclosure, and on which they
had arranged the cooking utensils the night before.
This was exciting enough for one night's adventure, but as John and the
boys were about to descend a crash in the trees to the right caused them
to halt. The Professor held out his light, but the thick wood and the
dense underbrush prevented any examination more than thirty or forty
feet beyond.
The eagerness of the boys to return to the wagon caused the Professor to
loose his grip on the lamp, and before he could recover the hold, it
fell to the ground and was extinguished. The yaks appeared to be in a
frenzy now, and the howling beyond increased in intensity. After a
search the lamp was relit, and the two others also brought out and
lighted, and the appearance of the light caused a hurried retreat of the
howling beasts.
"It is a puma," were the Professor's first words, "the most enormous
specimen I ever saw."
[Illustration: _Fig. 30. PUMA_]
"Well, these woods must be full of them, by the way they howled."
The yaks were calmed down after some effort, and it was found that the
shoulder of Jack had been lacerated by the claws of the puma, but beyond
that no damage was done. Both of John's shots had taken effect, and it
delighted the Professor to point to the wound and then indicate, as best
he could, how they owed him a debt for his skill.
The carcass was dragged out of the enclosure to keep the yaks quiet, and
when this was done they seemed relieved.
"I would like to know what the other animal was?"
"It is my opinion that it was a companion to this one. They, like all
animals, have a means for communicating their ideas to each other. Some
English scientists have found that the hen utters twenty-three distinct
notes, and that they convey different meanings. One single note,
differing from another, may convey the meaning of an entire sentence
uttered by man. The particular purring of a cat in one way means one
thing, and when emitted in a slightly altered tone indicates something
entirely different. Then, again, most animal sounds are accompanied by
some distinctive movement, as, for instance, the striking squeal of a
hen, accompanied by the crouching attitude, together indicate the
appearance of a hawk as plainly as though it uttered the warning in
words. It is obvious, therefore, that all the sounds made by animals,
such as cackling, clucking, crooning, purring, crowing, growling, and
roaring, as well as modifications of these sounds, impart some meaning
which can be distinguished by their kind, and are frequently recognized
by others."
This explanation appealed to George. "I know the moment Angel is
pleased, or when he is excited, and now that I think of it, I am sure
that he has several ways of expressing his meaning, and I am going to
try and see whether I can tell the difference hereafter when he tries to
talk."
There was little sleep that night, except on the part of John, who was
soon asleep. When morning broke they had an opportunity to examine the
dead animal. It had a uniform gray color, fading into a white in the
under part of its body, and with a very long, supple tail.
"The animal is sometimes called the panther, or 'painter,' as it is
familiarly known; and it is regarded by some authorities as the cougar.
It inhabits the whole of America. Its home is among the branches of
trees, and is a dangerous antagonist when wounded or cornered."
This incident made them desirous of quitting the forest by the nearest
route, but this was difficult to determine, as there were no elevated
hills in sight. In the forenoon of the third day, other animals were
sighted, and George, who was in the lead during the first part of the
trip, did not have the courage to go ahead very far, and soon after the
start was made, John came up and accompanied him, an act entirely
voluntary on his part, which increased the astonishment of them all.
It is impossible to account for these remarkable actions of the human
mind while in such a state. Did he realize the danger to his friends?
Who can answer the riddle?
But they must go on. The forest must be conquered. How far they had to
go was a mystery to them. One thing was certain: they were going toward
West River, but they were still less than half way. It would have been
the part of prudence to have taken the route to the north, through a
country which they had twice traversed, and which afforded far better
traveling, but it could not be helped now.
The fourth day did not improve their condition in the least. The dense
wood was on every side. The inclination of the ground was so slight as
to give no indication whether they had reached the summit of the
tableland, or were still ascending to a higher level.
In estimating the distance traveled in the four days it could not be
possible that they were over fifty miles from the Cataract. To add to
their perplexities, Jack began to walk with a perceptible limp. The
wound in the shoulder was inflamed, and a rest was necessary.
In this emergency a council was called, and the Professor suggested that
some of the party should conduct an exploring expedition on foot to the
west, going not to exceed five miles, and then return. But as it was too
near night to make the attempt at once, it was agreed that an early
start should be made in the morning.
The question now arose, who should go. Neither made a suggestion until
Harry ventured this opinion: "I am perfectly willing to take John with
me. I am sure he can be trusted. It will be imposing too much of a
burden on you," said he, looking at the Professor, "and I am active and
strong enough to stand the trip."
This suggestion was acted on, and early in the morning Harry took a
quantity of ammunition, and the Professor gave John a similar supply and
a couple of the guns, one of which was strapped to his back, similar to
the manner in which Harry was equipped. The attention of John was then
directed to the forest in the west, and as Harry moved away he followed
with a comprehensive glance that gave all of them the greatest relief.
Prior to their departure, the yak's wound was examined, and John saw
this as well, so that from all indications they would have no reason to
have fears on his account.
As usual, their bolos were taken along, and at intervals the trees were
blazed on both sides, this action being performed by John with a
regularity and precision that astonished Harry.
Traveling under those conditions was not conducive to speed, but they
were now trying to find what lay beyond them, and to learn, if possible,
how much farther the dense growth existed beyond them. They went on for
three hours or more, and still no change, and they stopped to rest.
Imagine yourself surrounded by these conditions. A companion who could
not talk, and who was, in all probability, demented, the eternal
silence, except as it would be occasionally startled into life by some
living thing; unable to even indicate his thoughts, or to consult with
him, as to direction, or to talk about the probabilities beyond them,
and you will feel that it took a brave heart to continue the journey.
But Harry possessed determination. He made up his mind to go on, until
he could find some news to take back, and so the quest continued for two
hours more.
But Harry had forgotten that they started without food, and that it
would take them as long to get back as they had already journeyed, and
it was now fully noon.
It seemed as though a hundred feet away it appeared clearer, but this
delusion had been repeated so often that he tired of it, and when, after
a rest, another start was made, he mentally made up his mind that if he
could not find a clearing within the next half hour they must return.
The clearing beyond did not deceive him this time. He clearly saw an
elevation beyond, and he almost shouted, but he did not stop and laugh
in his joy at the sight. John saw it and instinctively knew its meaning.
Then, motioning to him, he pointed back in the direction of the wagon,
and started to retrace his steps.
It was past noon, and Harry was hungry. John turned and followed and,
glancing at the sun, drew a small package from his coat, and handed
Harry several slices of barley bread. It affected him so much that he
could scarcely contain himself, and he could not help putting his arm
about him and indicate that his forethought and kind act was
appreciated, and John looked at Harry inquiringly, and proceeded to eat
his luncheon.
Judging the time which had elapsed since the start in the morning, it
would take them fully five hours to retrace their steps, as the glazed
trees showed them the way readily, and they could, therefore, make the
trip in less than six hours consumed up to this time, so that they would
be back before six in the evening, but they had found the outlet, and
determination had won.
The passage back through the forest was made with a happy heart, and
after they had gone two hours, John suddenly stopped, and grasped Harry
by the arm as he peered forward. Harry heard something before them.
Crackling leaves, and finally voices, were distinguished. They thought
the team must be miles away. John moved forward fully fifty feet, and
Harry followed. Soon the wagon top came in sight, and Harry bounded
along the blazed trail, with a cry, of relief.
Jack's lacerated shoulder was not as bad as had been anticipated, and
toward noon the lameness was not so perceptible, so that, in order to
save time, it was concluded to follow the blazed path, which could be
made out easily, thus bringing them together fully three hours earlier
than Harry had anticipated.
Harry explained what had been seen to the west, and that three or four
hours more of hard travel would bring them to an open country which, in
all probability, led to the West River.
All was eagerness now, and they pressed forward, hoping to be able to
reach the open country before night set in.