From two points, in the heart of these hills, white smoke curled up, as soon as the smoke of their fire died away.

These, too, in a short time also ceased to rise; and the boys knew that they were signal fires, in response to that which their guide had made.

The boy hesitated, for a minute or two, as to the direction which he should take.
As, however, one of the fires appeared a good deal nearer than the other, this probably decided him in its favor; and he started, in a straight line, towards the spot where the smoke had curled up.
Another two hours' walking, and they entered an open glade; where ten or twelve natives, and two or three negroes were gathered.

They were greatly surprised at seeing two white men, but the presence of the native guide apparently vouched for these visitors; and although one or two of the men sprang up and, at a rapid pace, proceeded in the direction from which the newcomers had arrived, the rest simply rose to their feet and, grasping the spears, bows and arrows, and clubs which they carried, waited silently to hear what the Indian boy had to tell them.
He poured forth an animated strain of words, for a few minutes, and the faces of the Indians lit up with pleasure.

The one among them who appeared to be the chief of the party advanced at once to the boys, and made every sign of welcome.