“Why not?” Creel glanced at the Wangurus.
“As far as Obimbi could make out, it was taboo to go poking around any deeper into the forest.”
Tom turned to the giant tribesmen. “Please ask them if they know anything about this big animal that our friends saw,” he requested Akomo.
When the guide translated Tom’s question, the Wangurus’ eyes flashed fearfully.
One of the warriors grunted a hasty reply.
“He says no-they know nothing about it.”
“Will they help us track it down?” Tom persisted.
At this question, the Wangurus seemed even more upset. Their reply to Akomo was in the negative. When Creel quizzed them, they shrugged and answered evasively.
“More of that taboo business,” Creel said, irritated. “We don’t need their help, anyhow-we have our own boys. I vote we hunt for the creature as soon as Bud and Obimbi get a bite to eat!”
Tom shook his head. “We’d better not.”
“But why not?” Creel retorted angrily. “This could be the biggest zoological find in years!”
“We’re here on an urgent project for the Ngombian government, and it won’t help if we antagonize the natives,” Tom pointed out. “I’d like to find that dinosaur too, but we’ll have plenty of
TALKING DRUMS 81
opportunity later, when construction gets underway. For now, I think I’ve learned all I need to know about this jungle terrain.”
The Wangurus were invited to share the camp breakfast. Before they left to return to their own village, Tom loaded them down with trade goods. Then Tom ordered Akomo and his bearers to strike camp.
“We’re heading back to Imbolu,” the young inventor announced.
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