Tom Swift in Captivity, page 69 by Victor Appleton
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ethered. Their packs lay in a well ordered heap, but the animals and their drivers were gone.
"This is queer," said Tom, rubbing his eyes to make sure that he saw aright. "I wonder where they are? Rad, look around for them."
The colored man did so, and came back soon, to report that San Pedro and his men had gone in the night. Some of the native villagers told him so by signs, Eradicate said. They had stolen away.
"Gone!" gasped Tom. "Gone where?"
"Bless my railroad ticket!" cried Mr. Damon.
"We're deserted," exclaimed Ned. "They've taken the mules, and left us."
"I guess that's it," admitted Tom ruefully, after a minute's thought. "San Pedro couldn't stand for the giants. He's had a frightful flunk. Well, we're all alone, but we'll go on to giant land anyhow! We can get more mules. A little thing like this can't phase me. Are you with me, Ned--Mr. Damon--Eradicate?"
"Of course we are!" they cried without a moment's hesitation.
"Then we'll go to giant land alone!" exclaimed Tom. "Come on, now, and we'll see if we can arrange for some pack animals."
CHAPTER XIV
IN GIANT LAND
When it first became sure that San Pedro and the other natives had deserted--fled in the night, for fear of the giants--there was a reactionary feeling of despondency and gloom among Tom and his three friends. But the boldness and energy of the young inventor, his vigorous words, his determination to proceed at any cost to the unknown land that lay before them--these served as a tonic, and after a few moments, Ned, Mr. Damon, and even Eradicate looked at things with brighter spirits.
"Do you really mean it, Tom?" asked Ned. "Will you go on to giant land?"
"I surely will, if we can find it. Why, we found the city of gold all alone, you and Mr. Damon and I, and I don't see why we can't find this land, especially when all we have to do is to march forward."