The Drums of Tapajos

The Drums of Tapajos (1930) – After World War I is over, four men journey into the wilds of the Amazon basin in search of treasure. Somewhere in there they find a lost civilization.

Three ex-Army buddies, not ready to settle down to civilian life, are looking for adventure in the post-war world. They wouldn’t mind fomenting a little South American revolution and get in touch with a fourth man to lead their unofficial party. He suggests instead a treasure hunt in the wilds of the Amazon basin. The four have no idea what they are about to find.

Part I
Chapter I – We Send for Willis
Chapter II – The Mysterious Knife
Chapter III – The Tierra Prohibitiva
Chapter IV – Pedro’s Story
Chapter V – The Gateway of the Unknown
Chapter VI – The Drums of Tapajos
Chapter VII – On Foot
Chapter VIII – The Guiding Arrows
Chapter IX – Nahum

Part II – What Went Before
Chapter X – The Examination
Chapter XI – Troyana
Chapter XII – Estha
Chapter XIII – The Guardian of the Jungle
Chapter XIV – Pedro Scents Trouble
Chapter XV – The Upper City
Chapter XVI – Underground

Part III – What Went Before
Chapter XVII – The Adoration of the Golden Calf
Chapter XVIII – Pedro Pays His Debt
Chapter XIX – The Sanctuary
Chapter XX – Pedro’s Body
Chapter XXI – Nankivell to the Rescue
Chapter XXII – The Warder of the Outer Ways
Chapter XXIII – The Call

Sterner St. Paul Meek (1894-1972) was an American military chemist, early science fiction author, and children’s author. He published much of his work first as Capt. S.P. Meek, then, briefly, as Major S.P. Meek and, after 1933, as Col. S.P. Meek.

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Meek joined the military as a chemist and ordnance expert. He served as Chief, Small Arms Ammunition Research, in 1923-1926, and Chief Publications Officer, Ordnance Dept., in 1941-1945. He retired a colonel in 1947, at which point he became a full-time writer.

The Drums of Tapajos has 4 illustrations.