The Columbus journal., 1909-10-13

cry OF MS lack OF readiness, troupe
OF large green monkeys set up wild
chattering in a tree above the party.
Il say, Miss Jenny. do you think you
can lug the pot, If We 60 slow? 1t isn't
far now.
Good for you. little woman! That1l
give me chance to shoot quick"
They moved on again for a hundred
yards or more; but though Blake kept
sharp lookout both above and below.
he saw no game other than a few
small birds ard a pair Of blue wood
pigeons. When he sought to creep up
on the latter, they few into the next
tree. In following them, he came
upon q conical mound Of had clay,
nearly four feet high.
Hello: this must be one of those
white ant-hills," he said, and he gave
the mound kick.
Instantly a tiny object whirred up
and struck him In the face.
Wheel" he exclaimed, springing
hack and striking out. "A hornet! No;
it's q beef"
Did It sting you?" cried Miss Les
Ne.
sting? Keep back; there's . lot
more Of 'em. Sting? Oh. no; he only
hypodermicked me with = red-hot
darning needle! Shy around here.
There's q whole swarm of the little
devils, and they're hopping mad. Hear
'em buxx!"
But where is their hive?" asked
WINTHROP, as all three drew back be.
hind the nearest bushes.
Guess they've borrowed that ant
HILL" replied Blake. gingerly lingering
the white lump which marked the spot
where the bee had struck him.
Wouldn't it be delightful II we had
some honey?" exclaimed Miss Leslie.
by Jove. that really wouldn't be
half bad" chimed in Winthrope.
Maybe We can. Miss Jenny; only
Wen need a fire to tackle those bug
GERS. Guess it'll be as well to let them
cool of bit also. The cocoanuts are
only little way ahead now. Here:
give me the pot"
They soon came to q small grove Of
cocoanut palms, where Blake threw
down his club and bow and handed
his burning-glass to Miss Leslie.
Here" he said: you and Win start
Q fire. It's early yet, but I'm think
ing wen all be ready enough for
oyster stew"
How about the meat?" asked Miss
Leslie.
Keep that TIL later. Here goes for
our dessert"
Selecting one of the smaller palms.
Blake spat on his hands. and began
to climb the slender trunk. Aided BY
previous experiences, he mounted
steadily to the top. The descent was
made with even more care and stead
ness, for he did not wish to tear the
skin from his hands again.
Nov. VIM" he said. as he neared
the bottom and sprang down. leave
the cooking to Miss Leslie. and husk
some Of those nuts. You won't more'n
have time to do It before the stew
10 ready"
Winthrope's response was to draw
out his penknife. Blake stretched
himself at ease in the shade, but kept
. critical eye on his companions. Al
though Winthrope's fingers trembled
with weakness, he worked with . pre-
cision and rapidity that drew a grunt
Of approval from Blake. Presently
Miss Leslie, who had been stirring the
stew with a twig. threw in a little
salt. and drew the pot from the fire.
EN- avant. gentlemen! Dinner 10
served" she called gayly.
What's that?" demanded Blake.
"Oh: sure. Hold on. Miss Jenny.
You'll dump 1t ALL"
He wrapped a wisp of grass about
the pot. and filed the three cocoanut
bowls. The stew was boiling hot:
but they fished up the oysters with
the bamboo forks that Blake had
carved some days since. BY the time
the oysters were eaten, the liquor in
the bowl was cool enough to drink.
The process was repeated until the
pot had been emptied of its contents.
Say, but that was something like"
murmured Blake. If only we'd had
pretzels and beer to 60 with It! But
these nuts won't be bad"
When they finished the cocoanuts.
Winthrope asked for q drink Of wa
ter.
Would 1t not be best to keep 1t un-
til latcr?" replied Miss Leslie.
Sure" put in Blake. We've had
enough liquid refreshments to do any
one. II don't look out, you'll both be
drinking river water. Just bear in
mind the work I'd have to carve .
pair Of Eravestones. No; that flask
has got to do you till we get home.
don't shin up any more telegraph
poles today"
CTO BE CONTlNUED.)
&4AAYA