The left hand, which supported his rifle, remained motionless, but removing the right from his revolver, he continued making signs, whose friendly meaning was so obvious that it was impossible for the natives to mistake it.
While approaching in this guarded manner, he Studied them with the closest scrutiny.

Interesting under any circumstances, they were vastly more so at this time.

What struck him in addition to the characteristics already named, were their frowsy eyebrows and glittering coal-black eyes.

These were unusually large and protruding.
The noses, instead of being broad and flat, like those of the native Africans, were Roman in shape.

The mouths were wide, and, when they spoke, he observed that the teeth which were displayed were black, showing that a fashion prevailed among this unknown tribe similar to that in vogue among many of the natives in the East Indies.
Now, Professor Grimcke was too experienced an explorer to walk directly into danger, where there was no prospect of avoiding a desperate encounter.