Mr. Rover repeated the woman’s words to the boys.  “What do you make of this?” he asked.

“I tell you something is wrong,” declared Dick.  “I have felt it all along.”

“But what can be wrong, my lad?”

“If you go outside I’ll go with you, Uncle Randolph.”

“Well, you can do that if you wish.”

The pair arose and speedily slipped on the few garments which they had taken off.  Then Dick pulled out his pistol.

“Do you think it is as bad as that?” asked Sam.

“I don’t know what to think.  But I’m going to take uncle’s advice and count every man an enemy until he proves himself a friend.”

Soon Mr. Rover and Dick were ready to go out, and they did so, followed by Aleck and preceded by the native woman.  As it was dark the Rovers easily concealed their weapons in the bosoms of their coats.

They walked past the bamboo addition and to the grove of trees Aleck had mentioned.  There they found the Frenchman in conversation with Captain Villaire.

“You wish to see me?” demanded Randolph Rover.

“Very much,” answered Villaire in French.  “If You are Mr. Randolph Rover, are you not?”

“I am.”

“And this is one of your nephews?”

“Yes.”

“I believe you are hunting for the young man’s father?” went on Villaire.

“We are.  Do you know anything of him?” demanded Randolph Rover eagerly.

“I do.  He sent me to you.”

“He sent you!” cried Randolph Rover in amazement.  “He is, then, alive?”

“Yes; but a prisoner, and very sick.  He heard of your being in Boma by accident through a native of King Susko’s tribe who was sent to the town for some supplies.  I heard the story and I have been employed to lead you to him, and at once.”

“But —­ but this is marvelous,” stammered Randolph Rover.  “I must say I do not understand it.”

“It is a very queer turn of affairs, I admit.  The other Mr. Rover must explain to you when you meet.  He wishes you to come to him alone.  It will not be safe for more.”

As well as he was able Randolph Rover explained matters to Dick.  In the meantime, however, the youth had been looking around sharply and had noted several forms gliding back and forth in the gloom under the trees.  Dick was more suspicious than ever.

“Uncle Randolph, I don’t believe this man,” he said briefly.  “The story he tells is too unnatural.”

“I think so myself, Dick; but still -”

“Why didn’t this man come straight to the house to tell us this?”

“I’m sure I don’t know.”

“Ask him.”

Randolph Rover put the question to Captain Villaire.  The Frenchman scowled deeply and shrugged his shoulders.  “I had my reason,” he said briefly.  “Will you come with me?”

Before Randolph Rover could answer there came a shout from behind several trees.