“But how will they know what is happening?”

“You will see why. Soon.”

Leaping monkeys formed dark red streaks against the deep green of the jungle foliage. A few Macus were guarding Biff and Kamuka. The rest spread out through the brush, where they squatted as they had originally. Gradually, the commotion lessened up in the treetops. Then, as the monkeys returned to normal, the Macus bobbed up again.

Now, their bows and blowguns were pointed upward. The air was suddenly filled with arrows and darts that found their marks high above. Monkeys began tumbling from the trees, while the rest scattered, howling louder than before. From the distance came answering chatter, like an alarm spreading through the jungle.

“The Macu come across river to hunt monkeys,” Kamuka told Biff. “We heard monkeys talk. I should have known Macu were here.”

The Macus gathered up the dead monkeys and marched Biff and Kamuka back along the trail. New howls were coming from far off.

“You see?” undertoned Kamuka. “Maybe safari will hear and come fast.”

“Or go the other way faster,” put in Biff. “Those villagers are scared by the very thought of meeting up with Macus.”

“But your father will come, with Mr. Whitman—”

“I only hope they won’t fall into the same trap.”

“They will not fall into trap. They will have Jacome with them. He will be on watch.”

Biff’s hopes rose at Kamuka’s words, only to fall again as their Macu captors turned suddenly from the trail. Instead of trampling the side path, the Macus moved stealthily in single file, pushing the captured boys into the line ahead of them. They spread the jungle plants as they moved through them, then let them fall back into place, leaving no trace of their route.

Literally, the entire party was swallowed by the jungle. Biff groaned loud enough for Kamuka to hear.

“Fine chance we have now!” Biff said. “They will never find us, unless the natives know where the Macu village is.”

“Macu never make village,” replied Kamuka. “All they do is tear down huts that belong to other people.”

The procession was moving straight westward 

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