Inoyo, lost and alone in the dim, hot forest, held his breath as he strained to catch the drum's message. His own name signal was sounding—his best friend was hunting for him. Inoyo and Bolumba were inseparable companions.

Boyhood friendship and adventure make this an appealing story about twelve-year-old Inoyo and his one-legged friend. Their exciting adventures begin when the boys go to the Christian mission in the big village. Both boys are eager to study there, Inoyo to be a male nurse and Bolumba a mechanic.

Inoyo's father insists that he work at the mission hospital to test his great desire for learning. The doctor finds work for him and Inoyo saves his precious earnings.

When the two friends barely escape an enraged hippo—poor Bolumba could only hobble—Inoyo decides he ought to buy a new wooden leg for Bolumba with his money.

At home once more, Inoyo finds his father's life threatened by the witch doctor's evil spell. Can he break it? Will he finally gain permission to go to school? 

You, too, can share all these experiences with Inoyo and Bolumba as you read this book to its satisfying end.

From the dust jacket