Part 32 (1/2)
”It's a queer place for you to coe We are studying the fauna and flora of central Africa--at least, they are doing so undera heap--under you”
”Do youthem!” cried Josiah Crabtree, wrathfully
”Well, if I was in their place I would want soed by Captain Putnaet the appointe because he could not stand the exa of , his fist in dick's face
”Well, I know so your best to insult me!”
”Such an old fraud as you cannot be insulted, Josiah Crabtree I read your real character the first ti since which has causedof learning and you can put on a very wise look when occasion requires But that is all there is to it, except that behind it all you are a thorough-paced scoundrel and only lack a certain courage to do so bit of rascality”
This state with rage He shook his fist in dick's face again ”Don't dare to talk that way, Rover; don't dare--or--I'll--I'll--”
”What will you do?”
”Never mind; I'll show you when the proper time comes”
”I told you once before that I was not afraid of you--and I am not afraid of you now”
”You did not come to Africa alone, did you?”
”To be sure I did not I have a large party withdistance I tell you that--and it's the truth--so that you won't try any underhand game on me”
”You--you--” Josiah Crabtree broke off and suddenly grew nervous ”See here, Rover, let us be friends,” he said abruptly
”Let us drop the past and be friends-at least, so long as we are so far away from hoe in manner astonished dick Was Crabtree serious? Certainly theto let past matters, drop--just for the present,” he answered, hardly knohat to say ”I wish to pay allmy father”
”Exactly, Richard--and--er--you--who is with you? Anybody I know?”
”Sam and dick and Alexander Pop”
”Is it possible! And that black, how is it he ca?”
”He joined us by accident But what of your party?”
”They are a set of rich young students fro them hither for study and--er--recreation And that putsabout the past to them, will you?”
CHAPTER XXIV
JOSIAH CRABTREE MAKES A MOVE