Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:03:46 +0200
Oh-h-h-h-h! It's just awful! In the midst of these depressing thoughts he became aware that something was hurting his back After rolling over he found that he had been lying upon a sharp stone that stuck out of the earth.
This gave him an idea.
He rolled upon the stone again and began rubbing the rope that bound him against the sharp edge Outside he could hear the crackling of fagots and the roar of a newly-kindled fire, so he knew he had no time to spare, He wriggled and pushed his body right and left, right and left, sawing away at the rope, until the strain and exertion started the perspiration from every pore.
At length the rope parted, and hastily uncoiling it from his body Rob stood up and rubbed his benumbed muscles and tried to regain his lost breath.
He had not freed himself a moment too soon, he found, for hearing a grunt of surprise behind him he turned around and saw a native standing in the door of the hut.
Rob laughed, for he was not a bit afraid of the blacks now, As the native made a rush toward him the boy drew the electric tube from his pocket, pointed it at the foe, and pressed the button.
The fellow sank to the earth without even a groan, and lay still.
Then another black entered, followed by the fat chief When they saw Rob at liberty, and their comrade lying apparently dead, the chief cried out in surprise, using some expressive words in his own language.
If it's just the same to you, old chap, said Rob, coolly, I won't be eaten to-day, You can make a pie of that fellow on the ground.
No! We eat you, cried the chief, angrily.
You cut rope, but no get away; no boat! I don't need a boat, thank you, said the boy; and then, as the other native sprang forward, he pointed the tube and laid him out beside his first victim.
At this act the chief stood an instant in amazed uncertainty, Then he turned and rushed from the hut Laughing with amusement at the waddling, fat figure, Rob followed the chief and found himself standing almost in the center of the native village.
A big fire was blazing merrily and the blacks were busy making preparations for a grand feast, Rob was quickly surrounded by a crowd of the villagers, who chattered fiercely and made threatening motions in his direction; but as the chief cried out to them a warning in the native tongue they kept a respectful distance and contented themselves with brandishing their spears and clubs.
If any of your fellows come nearer, Rob said to the fat chief, I'll knock 'em over.
What you make do? asked the chief, nervously.
Watch sharp, and you'll see, answered Rob, Then he made a mocking bow to the circle and continued: I'm pleased to have met you fellows, and proud to think you like me well enough to want to eat me; but I'm in a bit of a hurry to-day, so I can't stop to be digested After which, as the crowd broke into a hum of surprise, he added: Good-day, black folks! and quickly turned the indicator of his traveling machine to the word up.
