The Black Phantom

The Black Phantom is by Leo E. Miller, and a dedication in the book reads "To my son Spencer Kelsey Miller." The introduction says dried or mounted skins of animals from out-of-the-way places, however cleverly arranged, suggest comparatively little of the creatures' real appearance in their native environment. The introduction adds that the comedies, the tragedies, and the life stories of the untrammelled wild creatures are infinitely more fascinating than a survey of their lifeless and often faded forms.

One scene shows young turtles emerging from the hot, sun-baked sand and making for the water, while herons and hawks wait for the eggs to hatch. A character named Warruk sits down to rest, and out of the darkness appears a strange little creature in a coat of black fur with white stripes. Oomah looks at his discoverer and says, "You are of the Patocos who have eaten many of my people." Nechi says, "I will take you to the village."