It followed, therefore, that something must be done to spike their guns, and Ziffak was the only one who could do it.
The whites were not surprised, when he offered to return to the point down the river, where he had left his canoe, recross to the other side, and make known to the Aryks that it was his wish that the explorers should be molested no further.
The announcement would be a surprise indeed to them, but there was none who would dare question the authority of such a source.
During the absorbingly interesting conversation, Ziffak stated that his object in coming from the other side was to reach the camp of the whites at the same time that an attack was made by the Aryks who so cunningly used the floating logs and trees as a screen to hide their approach.

He preferred his course to that of accompanying them.
It will thus be seen, that, although the act of Fred Ashman in passing down the Xingu seemed like a mistake, yet it was the most providential thing that could have occurred.
Having made known his plan, the burly chieftain set about carrying it out with characteristic promptness.

Without saying good-bye, he rose to his feet, and walking rapidly off, soon disappeared in the direction of the spot where took place his encounter with the puma and his meeting with Fred Ashman.
He had not been gone long, when those left in camp caught sight of the little boat skimming swiftly across the Xingu below them.

The preliminaries of the singular movement in their favor was going on according to programme.
But, with the departure of Ziffak, something like a distrust of his friendship entered the minds of the three whites.

Bippo and Pedros were so overcome by what they had seen that they were unable to comprehend what it all meant.