For a moment both parties stood staring at one another, too startled to utter a sound. Then as Tom noticed that some of the natives, who somewhat resembled the ancient Aztecs, had imitation human heads stuck on the ends of poles or spears, he uttered two words;
"Head-hunters!"
Like a flash there came to him the warning of the African missionary: "Beware of the head-hunters!" Now they were here—being led on by the Mexican and the Fogers—the enemies of our friends.
For another moment there was a silence, and then Andy Foger cried out:
"They're here! Tom Swift and his party! They got here first and they may have all the gold!"
"If they have they will share it with us!" cried Delazes fiercely.
"Quick!" Tom called hoarsely to Ned, Mr. Damon and Eradicate. "We've got to fight. It's the only way to save our lives. We must fight, and when we can, escape, get to the airship and sail away. It's a fight to the finish now."
He raised his automatic revolver, and, as he did so one of the savages saw the golden head of the statue lying at Tom's feet. The man uttered a wild cry and called out something in his un-
