I'll have the natives cook some for
us."
He gave the necessary orders, and the travelers had to admit that it
was worth coming far to get.
For the next few days and nights there was great feasting in that
African village, and the praises of the white men, and power of Tom
Swift's electric rifle, were sung loud and long.
Our friends had resumed work on repairing the airship, and the young
inventor declared, one night, that they could proceed the next day.
They were seated around a small campfire, watching the dancing and
antics of some natives who were at their usual work of eating meat.
All about our friends were numerous blazes for the cooking of the
feasts, and some were on the very edge of the jungle.
Suddenly, above the uncouth sounds of the merry-making, there was
heard a deep vibration and roar, not unlike the distant rumble of
thunder or the hum of a great steamer's whistle heard afar in the
fog.
"What's that?" cried Ned.
"Lions," said Mr. Durban briefly. "They have been attracted by the
smell of cooking."
At that moment, and instantly following a very loud roar, there was
an agonized scream of pain and terror. It sounded directly in back
of the airship.
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