Los Angeles herald., 1905-12-24

fTHE siesta had lasted two hours, wher
II the boys were awakened by un
usual stir and confusion in the
SSAl camp, which was caused by the re
port made by the Indians that
number of marmosets, similar tc
Tiny Tim, had been seen in the vicinity.
The hunters were already making prepare
tons for the chase by overhauling the finest
meshed nets, preparing a sort of punch such
as Val had seen used in Africa with marked
success in the capture of monkeys, and looking
to their arms and ammunition.
Doctor Burroughs and Captain Thompson
were also getting ready for the hunt, and
Val began to buckle on his cartridge belt and
to lace his leggings more tightly about his an
kles.
1T isn't possible that you think of going
with us-ls It, Nal?' asked Doctor Burroughs
as If he was greatly surprised that his son
should even have thought of such thing.
why not, SIR! l see that you and the cap
tam are going"
That is true; but we have no duties that
obllge US to remain near the river"
l wasn't aware that you had given me any
particular work to do, sill" said Val, looking
at hls father IN astonishment.
Have you forgotten so quickly that YOU are
the captain of the Midget? Your craft is
aground, and from what little l know of the
duties OF steamboat captains, L should con-
clude that 1t must be necessary for you to get
your craft out of a dangerous position before
you could leave her"
I hadn't thought of that, sir" replied Val,
raefully.
And for the first time since he had been
the owner OF the Midget, he looked at her in
the light OF an incumbrance.
Every officer of the yacht was eager to Join
IN the hunt for marmosets. for Val had often
told stories of his monkey hunt in Africa,
and they were desirous of seeing something
similar. But there was the yacht fast on the
sand bank. and there was nothing for them
TO do except to try to get her off while the
others would probably be having a glorious
time IN the woods.
Its too bad!" said Fred, disconsolately.
Ever since We started from New York. /
have been thinking that I should see them
catch monkeys, and now, when the time
comes that 1t Is to be done, we have got to
do something else
There's no use in feeling so badly about
Il since we can't help ourselves reioined
Val, philosophically. I'VE are here and we've
got 10 STAY; so we might as well make the
best Of it by commencing work. Even if they
are going out to catch monkeys, that is no
proof that they will get any; for, if you re
member, We have been on one such hunt since
We have been here, and the only monkeys we
brought back were ourselves
If Arthur Fowler was disappointed in not
being able 30 accompany the hunters he was
determined not 70 snow II. He was loading
into the long-boat a quantity of half-drv wood
the Indians had cut before they discovered
the marmosets, and paying no attention to the
hustle and confusion OF departure as made by
the hunting party.
Val and Fred, however, waited until the
last man had disappeared among the trees be
fore they set about their work, and then,
Just when they thought the hunting marty
were out Of hearing, Val heard his father
cal.
Even If you hoat the Yacht before We
come back, remember that the orders are to
remain IN the camp
AVE, aye, sir.
And Val tried hard TO answer cheerilv. that
the disappointment in his heart might not be
apparent in his voice.
"D,1 not venture into the woods under any
circumstances" shouted Doctor Burroughs
again.
And this time his voice sounded farther
away in the distance.
I'VE won't leave the yacht, sir!" cried Val
And then he and Fred helped Arthur Dush
the lonr-boat off the beach, all three leanino
into her irrst as the black nose Of an aIlicatoI
appeared close beside them.
Once on board the yacht, there was moth.
ing 10 do but wait until the engineer could
get steam up again, and, while this was being
done. Val and Fred had plenty of time Ia
observe the position OF the stranded yacht.
Her engines had been working at full speed
ND on 70 the sandbsnk, until nearly one-hali
her keel was on the shoal, in hardly more thar
three inches Of water.
The efforts that had first been made TO float
her had dome more harm than good, for, load