Page:Tom Swift in the City of Gold.djvu/70

58 "we'll hop in our dirigible balloon, and get above their heads, and then I guess we can give a good account of ourselves. But would you rather Mr. Illingway had said less about them, Mr. Damon?"

"Yes, I wish, as long as he couldn't tell us more, that he'd kept quiet about them altogether. It's no fun to be always on the lookout for danger. I'm afraid it will get on my nerves, to be continually looking behind a rock, or a tree, for a headhunter. Bless my comb and brush!"

"Well, 'forewarned is forearmed, quoted Ned. "We won't think anything more about them. It was kind of Mr. Illingway to warn us, and perhaps the head hunters have all disappeared since that white traveler was after the city of gold. Some story which he told his friends, the natives in Africa, is probably responsible for the missionary's warning. Let's check over our lists of supplies, Tom, and see if we have everything down."

"Can't you do that alone, Ned?"

"Why?" and Ned glanced quickly at his chum. Mr. Damon and Mr. Swift had left the room.

"Well, I've got an engagement—a call to make, and"

"Enough said, old man. Go ahead. I know what it is to be in love. I'll check the lists. Go see"