Jungle guides Potter and Nelson scheme to loot the Bambutis' temple. To assist them in their scheme, they steal a hot air balloon and a half-track from the Blandings' safari. Kaänga and Ann help recover the balloon and half-track and expose Potter and Nelson's schemes.; Camilla works with Hank Bradford, a district policeman, to find and destroy the slavers under the command of Gayenda.; Through a vision, Tabu learns that the Bulangis are worshiping the python god, Pitor, and that their temple will collapse if they do not stop. He uses his illusions to frighten the Bulangis into fleeing the temple, moments before it collapses.; Awagi, witch doctor to the Dahallis, murders the chief. The only witness is Kuzu, who flees into the jungle. Wambi helps Kuzu expose Awagi to the Dahallis as a murderer and thief of the tribe's sacred treasure.; Terry is re-assigned to the lancers' intelligence division and ordered to go after the slaver, the Black Scourge. Terry makes contact with the Scourge but the villain escapes.