Meanwhile Harry, with the other boys, was at work preparing a new water wheel. In this he had the aid of Uraso, as the director general of the men. Many hands make light work. In a single day the wheel was ready for mounting. The dried lumber which had been brought over was a great advantage in making it, and in preparing the bridge below the falls on which the wheel was mounted.

This was completed on the evening of the second day, just as Sutoto came into view with the cattle. It was an amusing sight to see how they had brought over the herd.

Apollo was the name of the bull which had the terrific fight with the old bull. The first thing Sutoto did was to catch Apollo, and firmly secure him with hobbles. He was led in front, and the others driven along after him, the rest following meekly.

When Apollo was finally loosened, and allowed the freedom of the corral, he gave a roar, pawed up the ground and shook his head at the indignant treatment.

Their appearance meant milk and butter. There were thirty-five in the herd, of which ten were young animals, from four to six months of age, and six calves, the latter of which retarded the movement of the drove on the route.

Early in the morning the wheel was put up, and it began to turn, to the delight of the men.

"It would be better, Harry, to set up the sawmill at once, as I have directed a number of men to go to the forest with John, to cut the logs, and they will take the two teams along, so that by the time you are ready, the material will be here for you."

"What shall I cut first?"

"Get out the scantlings for the house and shop, as the latter will be the first to receive our attention. We must have some place to put the things we have in the wagons."

It is remarkable how quickly a set of men, working under intelligent directions, can carry out a purpose. The logs began coming in shortly after noon, and in the morning the saw was at work, and it did not cease its operations for many a day.

The natives were so fascinated with it that they considered it a grief to leave it. But the Professor had other purposes in view. George and Tom were selected to make several looms, similar to the one brought from the Cataract. In this work, as in everything else, some particular ones were selected and instructed to do the work.

Ramie fiber was found in abundance, along the streams, and after a set of men had been instructed how to cut and gather it, they were kept at that work, while others were directed how to wet it down and rot the woody fiber and taught the manner in which the fiber was freed of the stalks.



CHAPTER VI

BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN

Within a week most disquieting rumors reached the new village as to the attitude of the Illyas and Tuolos. The former sent an insulting message that if the White Chief wanted the captives he should come for them.

The Tuolos had returned to their country, but John was determined that they must have a visit. Thus far no bands from the warring tribes had molested either the Saboros, who were nearest on one side, or the Brabos on the other side.

Their silence after a peace message was sent them could only be interpreted to mean one thing, on the part of the Tuolos.

"The Illyas will not dare to injure the captives they have with such a warning as we gave them, and if they intended to destroy them it is possible that has been done already. Under the circumstances a little patience on our part may show them that we mean business."

Muro, who understood the Illyas' character better than the others, was of the opinion that the Professor's views were most likely to accomplish the purpose without bloodshed. On the other hand, he was of an entirely different opinion with respect to the Tuolos.

A few weeks of active work, first, in completing all preparations for defense, and second, in organizing the tribes into a working unity, would be of the greatest importance to the community.

The shop and the laboratory were completed, and most of the things in the wagons were now in place. The important thing was the disposition of the treasure. For the safe keeping of this a large pit was dug beneath one end of the shop, and an underground vault constructed, the brick for this purpose being made from a natural silicate found in the hills near by, and which hardened without burning. The interior was also plastered with the same material, and a strong door, small, but thick, was constructed to close the opening.

During the night John, the Professor and Blakely, with the boys, carefully stored the treasure there, so that the different tribes had no idea of the use to which the vault had been put.

Two of the simple looms had been made, so that there were now three ready to turn out goods, and the fiber was in such shape that it could soon be utilized. In the meantime the boys concluded that as the weaving process was the slowest operation it would be well to construct several additional looms, and two of them capable of making goods four feet wide.

One of the first acts of the Professor was to scour the hills to the north for minerals. He was in search of copper, and taking a half dozen of the natives with him, and one of the teams, a load of copper ore was brought in.

The furnaces and smelters had been set up by the boys, previous to this, and within ten days a hundred pounds of copper were run into clay receptacles, to be used for the various purposes.

"What do you suppose the Professor wants with so much copper?" asked Ralph.

"You can make up your mind he has some scheme or other," answered George.

The Professor really did have a scheme, for the first thing he consulted Harry about was a plan to make some small molds in two parts, out of brass, from a plaster paris disk which he had carved out.



"What is that for?" asked Harry, laughing.

"That is to make one of the first coins from our mint," he answered, smiling.

A sample of the coin is shown.

"What is the hole in the middle for?"

"So they can be strung on a cord, and thus provide a means for keeping them."

"That is the first time I ever heard of that plan."

"It is not anything new. The Chinese adopted the plan years ago, and Belgium is a country which has followed the idea. It has been found very convenient for shoppers, as they can string them on vertical pieces of wire, and in that way they are always kept in columns before them, and can be readily taken off in making change."



In making the molds, the molten brass was first poured around the paris plaster disk, so that the metal was level with the top of the disk, and, after it was thoroughly cooled, an additional amount of metal was poured over this, so that the two parts would separate. The disk was then taken out, and two holes made on opposite sides through the top. The copper was then poured in one hole until it appeared at the other hole. In this way the print formed by the disk was cast in the coin.

Harry made a half dozen of these molds, and the mint was ready for operation. Tom and one of the natives set to work making the coins, and the first day cast two hundred of them. Within a week they became quite expert at the business, and when they took stock at the end of the week over twenty-five hundred of the coins were in the treasury.

A large-sized coin was turned out, which is also shown, the smaller being for one cent, and the larger five cents. The stock of coins within ten days amounted to fifty dollars in value, but it was a good beginning.

During the evening the coins were shown around and admired, and John said: "We have plenty of silver, when the time comes, which can be worked up in the same way."

This idea had not occurred to the boys. "But how," asked Will, "shall we use these? The natives won't give anything for them?"

"That is what we are trying to teach them. They are of no value except as a medium of exchange. Money is of no value, except as it enables us to buy something with it. When you have a five-cent piece and a taro root before you, and are hungry, which will you take?"

"The taro root, of course."

"So it isn't the coin itself, but only its value in what you want. It is want that gives money any value."

"But I still don't see how we are going to make the natives want the coins."

"We do not intend to make them want them. But we may soon have some things they will need. Now it is immaterial whether they give money for it, or if they furnish us something we wish in exchange."

"Then of what use is it to have the coins?"

"Simply because we must have something to measure by. If you buy a yard of cloth you must have a yardstick. If you want a certain quantity of grain you must have a quart or a bushel measure. Now that yard or bushel, each, is worth so much, and they are measured by a coin or coins, of which both know the value."

"I understand now. You are simply trading a certain marked coin for a bushel of grain, instead of giving something else for it."

"Exactly; money in itself has no value. You cannot eat it, or make it serve as an article of clothing, or drink it. You can only measure the needed things with it."

The practical operation of the use of coins as money had its first trial on the following day, when the Professor had two hundred cords prepared, on which were strung five one-cent coins and a five-cent coin.

The warriors were told to file along the wagon, and George handed out one of the coin sets to each as he passed. They looked at the bright disks curiously, at first, and were informed that they were being rewarded for the work they had done. This was a singular way of requiting them for their services. They had obtained food in plenty, and therefore this way their pay; but now, in addition, they were being rewarded.

Uraso explained the new proceeding. They had conspicuously displayed the ramie cloth, made in different colors, which had been woven during the past two weeks. Not a word was said about that. The goods displayed seemed to be of more value than the coins. It was something they could wear, and they envied the manner in which the white people clothed themselves.

John went up to Jim, who had the fiber cloth in charge, and asked him for a piece, indicating the length of the yardstick, which he held, and when he was told that it was worth one of the small coins, John made a great show of taking one of the coins from the cord and paying for the goods which Jim cut off.

Tom did likewise, and this was very soon repeated, some taking two yards or more. The natives regarded this as a new species of barter, and it did not take them long to see the peculiar features of the transaction. Before night fully half of the coins were again back in the hands of the treasurer.

The next day the boys, at the instigation of the Professor, began a species of trade with the natives, purchasing some trinket or other article, for which coins were offered in exchange. This spirit began to take possession of the natives. Regularly each week the pay for work performed was given, and as the weaving of cloth went on, the sale of the goods began to increase.

Soon the Professor called the chiefs, and said: "We ought to send some of these men to their homes, each week, and bring others here, so that all may have an opportunity to work and to learn, and also be able to buy the goods we make."

There was a twofold purpose in this: The warriors would, he knew, take their purchases home, and thus give their families the benefits of the cloth, and it would incite a desire for them to again return and work for the purpose of acquiring more goods.

This was the first object lesson. In the following week, the second one was quietly brought to their attention. The workers had been fed from the common table. It was desirable to stimulate individual effort.

For this purpose the Professor, John and Blakely, as well as the boys, went to the different workers, and made bargains; some offered a coin for the bringing in of a brace of fowl; others for a certain amount of vegetables; and some for particular quantities of fruit and for barley.

The sawmill was turning out a certain amount of lumber, and the main house was erected, and then began the building of a number of small two-and three-room dwellings, all put up cheaply, but in a substantial manner.

This proceeding was looked on with wonder by the warriors. Before long the women and children of some of the workers appeared, and their coming pleased the Professor immensely.

It was evident that the two warring tribes were in communication with each other, and as the affairs of the little colony were moving along in a very satisfactory way, it was determined to bring them to terms. This was brought about by two incidents, which will be related.

The Brabo territory extended the farthest north of any of the inhabited lands, and adjoined the portion occupied by the Tuolos.

In a previous book the history of John was related, in which he described an immense cave, near their village, occupied by the medicine men of their tribe, and where he took refuge when pursued. There he discovered a large amount of treasure. He and the boys had long wanted to go there.

When the report was brought to the new village that the Tuolos had made a foray into the Brabo territory, and killed several warriors, carrying some of the women into captivity, it was a warning that could not be disregarded.

Immediately, on the heels of this news, was the report of two runners from the Saboros that depredations had been committed by the Illyas.

The Professor called John, Blakely and the chiefs Oma of the Brabos and Muro of the Saboros into consultation.

"We are now in condition," he said, "where we must undertake to call those tribes to account. The outrages reported are probably only the forerunners of others which may be much more serious, and I want your views on the course to follow."

"It is fortunate," answered Blakely, "that the tribes referred to are separated by the sections of the island inhabited by our allies. This gives us an opportunity to treat with each separately. It seems to me that we should attack the Illyas first, as they are the most powerful of the two."

"I do not altogether agree with you," responded John. "My view is that we should proceed against the Tuolos, as they have committed the most serious offense, in killing the Brabos."

"You speak wisely," said Muro. "The Brabos are not as well protected as my people."

This observation, coming from Muro, was a most pleasing one to John and the Professor, and Blakely was instructed to muster a force of two hundred. Notices were sent to all the allied tribes, and within a week they arrived, all eager to engage in the expedition.

"While engaged in that work the business must not cease here," observed the Professor. "It will be your duty, Blakely, to thoroughly drill the men, and instruct them in the uses of the weapons. For reasons which you will understand, John will accompany the expedition."

During all this time there was not a day but the Professor, as well as George, Ralph and Jim, whenever opportunity offered, scouted about in various directions, and brought in new specimens of woods, flowers, vegetables, and samples of ores.

The Professor's eyes were gladdened many times at the odd parcels left on his table, that excited the curiosity of the boys. Jim was an indefatigable gatherer of vegetable products, and one thing which attracted him immensely was the branch of a tree which bore a number of star-leaved clusters, each leaf being feather-veined, and the stems carried numerous yellowish purple-spotted flowers, and also nuts about the size of pigeon eggs.

"Down near the large river the banks are full of these. Can we make any use of them?" asked Jim.

"Why that is a variety of Chica," he answered.

"What is Chica, anyhow?"

"The seeds are good for making burning oil. The inner bark furnishes a fiber which resists all moisture; and the nuts possess a substance which is well known all over the world as mucilage. It is recognized in commerce as gum tragacanth."

"I saw different kinds there. Are they all useful?"

"Some species contain nuts which are very fine, but are never eaten raw. They must be roasted."



"When Jim and I were down there this morning we saw at least a dozen different kinds of plants growing together in a space not three feet square. We both wondered why each kept on growing in its own way, from the same kind of soil. Now, don't the plants get all they are made of from the same soil? And if that is so, why don't they grow to be the same things?"

"Of course, like the animal kingdom, the germ of each is different, but each takes the identical substances from the same soil, and converts them into entirely different products. One will make a gum; the other produces a kind of milk; others will turn out a hard substance, like the outer portion of the nut; some will make a vegetable good to eat; others will yield a poison, and yet all are from the same soil."

"That is what I mean. Even though the plants are different, why is it that one will extract one thing and another something else?"

"It is due to what is called irritability or sensitiveness in plants. One plant is sensitive to the flow of certain juices, and is irritated, so that it is set into activity when different kinds of substances are carried along the pores or deposited in the cells. As a result, this irritation causes the plant to take only certain ones and reject others, and its tissues are thus built up only by such elements as its sensitiveness selects."

The training of the warriors with the new guns was a stirring sight for the boys, who could not help but be present during most of the time during the two days preceding the departure for the country of the Tuolos.

Ralph and Tom begged permission to accompany the party, and this was a natural request, because they had been rescued from this tribe the year before.

It thus happened that the party of warriors, equipped as they had never been before, left the village, with one of the wagons, which was loaded with provisions and ammunition, and the boys took charge of the team.



CHAPTER VII

THE EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS

It was decided to go north until they reached the level country, which would afford easy travel, and then move to the west and cross the large river which separated the Brabos from the Tuolos, as it would be better to meet them on the extreme western side of the ridge which they occupied.

"Do you remember, Blakely, what kind of country is to be found directly west of their principal village?" asked John.

"I have been over that entire country," responded Blakely.

"When I recovered, the morning of the wreck, I went inland at once," remarked John, "and I never saw the sea again. When you related your story about seeing a certain tribe offering up victims you must have been on the western side of the village."

"Yes; I came up from the sea."

"Well, you see I came down there directly from the north, and I reached the village on the eastern side, and I saw the sacrifice of the captives at the same time you did, but on the opposite side of the village."

"That is very probable. On the western side the country is high, but not difficult to travel across."

]

"That is the exact point I am aiming at. I know that all the way down, from the place where I struck into the interior, it would be almost impassable for the wagon."

This settled the route to be taken, and they moved westwardly, after crossing the river, and before night the boys caught the first glimpse of the broad ocean.

In the morning they put out scouts, which went well in advance of the column, and Muro was in charge of them. His instinct as a trailer was inimitable.

Before evening of the second day the scouts announced the first signs of the Tuolos. The village could be reached within two hours' march, but John advised waiting for the following morning before approaching.

During the early evening, however, Muro returned on a hurried trip from the front. "They are having a great feast at the village, and it appears that they will make sacrifices to-night, or to-morrow, so that we should approach as close as possible, and if we find that is their intention, prevent it."

This news stirred all into activity. The column went forward with the utmost caution, although it was dark, and the wagon had to be guided along with great care.

The movement proceeded until nine o'clock, and during the night march Muro had arranged a constant line of communication with John, through his runners. A festival was in progress, and the two victims were plainly seen by John when he and Muro went through the grass and inspected the village.

The inaction of the whites had entirely disarmed the Tuolos. Indeed, as afterwards learned, they began to think that fear prevented an attack on their village, and no sentinels were posted to warn them of any approaching foe.

While waiting for the return of John and Muro, Ralph and Tom also wandered around the section surrounding the camp. They were in a valley, on both sides of which were ridges running north and south. The moon came out before ten o'clock, and they remembered some of the scenes about them. They had been brought from the south through this identical valley when they were captured by the Tuolos.

They were on the hillside, not five hundred feet from their camp, and were about to descend the hill, when Ralph started back, and grasped Tom's arm.

"What is that dark object directly ahead?"

The dark object was an opening into the hill, but as it was by the side of a projecting rock, it had the appearance of an object. They looked at each other for a moment in silence.

"I wonder if this is another cave, or the one John spoke about?" asked Tom.

"No, that is on the east side of the village. We are below the village. Do you think we had better make an investigation?"

"Yes; but I wish John was here. Come on; we have plenty of help here if we need it."

The opening was approached as noiselessly as possible. It showed a typical cave entrance, through solid rock, or, rather, through what appeared to be a cleavage which had been spread apart. They had no light of any kind, but the discovery was one which interested them, because they knew of the treasure caves existing on the island, and two of them, at least, were within their knowledge, and contained immense hoards.

"Can you strike a match, so we can get some idea of it?" asked Tom.

"I am going to try it at any rate." So saying, the match was lighted, and its beams penetrated the interior. In their eagerness the match was muffled, and went out, but they caught sight of a huge white cross, far beyond, and it seemed to be moving.

"Did you notice that?" asked Tom excitedly.

"Do you mean the cross?"

"Yes."

"It seemed to move up and down."

"I thought so, too."

"I don't care about going any farther without we have some one with us and can have a decent light."

The boys hurried to the camp, and waited for John. When he came they hurriedly related the experience.

"That will do to investigate."

"We saw a cross in there, moving up and down."

"Have we any of the candles with us?" he asked.

"Possibly; I can soon tell."

Tom came back with the news that he had found a box of them.

"As the village is quieting down, we shall have plenty of time to make the examination to-night. We must wait until Muro returns, so as to get the latest news, and can then start out."

Muro returned shortly after, and together with the boys, went up the hill, and entered the mouth of the cavern. Three candles were lighted. The great cross was before them, but it was such a different thing, now that they were face to face with it. The end of the chamber, which the light penetrated, had four openings to the chambers beyond, two above and two below. These openings were separated from each other, and the white walls between the openings appeared to form the white cross.

It was wonderfully realistic, this fanciful and fantastical carving of nature through the rocky structure.

"But I saw it move; that is sure," said Tom.

"Did you see that move, or was it the light of the match that moved?" asked John. "Imagination plays many a trick, during the excitement of the moment."

John took the light, and by moving it up and down showed how the beams, shining past the glistening walls, would cause the illusion of the cross moving.

The cavern was found to be much broken up as they advanced, and reaching the second set of chambers, it was evident that some one had lately occupied it. Penetrating farther into the interior, they were surprised to see articles of savage clothing, and long reeds, that had been burned at the ends, together with utensils for cooking.

"We have entered one of the homes of the medicine men of the Tuolos. I have no doubt they are now at the village attending the festivals, and we had better leave as quickly as possible."

Before the entrance was reached they heard a great commotion outside, and their own people rushing to and fro, and as they were emerging three fantastically garbed natives met them. John ordered them to halt in the native tongue, and they stood there irresolute. The boys also leveled their guns at them, and they submitted as Muro and his men rushed up.

The appearance of John and the boys startled Muro beyond expression, as the latter said: "These are the medicine men of the tribe."

"I knew it," responded John. "We have just been investigating the place they live," and he pointed to the mouth of the cavern.

These were the men who performed the sacred rites of the Tuolos, and were called the Krishnos, as they learned from Muro.

"Take them to the camp," ordered John.

Without more ado, they were hustled down to the wagon. It seems that when the Krishnos returned from the village they found themselves in the immediate vicinity of the camp, and in the effort to escape aroused the sentries, who rushed upon them.

If they could have reached the cave, not one of the warriors would have dared to enter it, as their superstitious fears would have prevented them, but outside the cave they had no such feelings. It was fortunate, therefore, that John and the boys were there to prevent them from entering.

As they were going down the hill, John exhibited a curious cross, He had found it in the cave, just before he advised the boys to go out. It was made of stone, and one of the limbs had a hole near its end, which indicated that it had been carried as a charm.

"Isn't that singular? Why should the natives have the Christian sign of the cross?"



"That is one of the earliest symbols that the world knows. Its use goes back beyond the earliest period of history. It was the favorite figure used by the astronomers and astrologers of the ancient Babylonians, fully four or five thousand years ago. The clay tablets and stone monuments of the Persians contained them; the Hittites, in the earliest Jewish times, used them; and the ancient Egyptians decorated the High Priests officiating in the temples with figures of the cross."

"It seems to me that if it was used by peoples in different parts of the earth, there must have been some reason for it."

"One of the well-known forms found in the inscriptions shows the cross within a circle. This seems to be the meaning of the phrase in Isaiah which says the 'four ends of the earth.' In Bible times the earth was known to be round, so that the expression used in the Bible about the 'circle of the earth,' and the four ends, seem to point clearly to the cross within the circle, to indicate the four points of the compass."



"So the Christians took an old form and made it their symbol?"

"Yes; the Roman cross, used at the crucifixion, had the lower stem longer than the other, and from this fact that form became the Cross of Christianity."

The uproar created by the pursuit attracted the attention of the warriors in the village, who ran to and fro, and soon learned the cause of the disturbance.

The camp was kept quiet, however, but the scouts watched the excitement created, and reported the results at frequent intervals. Muro knew they would not desert the village, as they would not be likely to leave it at the mercy of their enemies, at least without a fight.

John confronted the medicine men as soon as the wagon was reached.

"Why do your people make war, and refuse to treat with us?"

"Because you have no right to come and try to kill us."

"Why did you imprison our people, and offer up some of them as a sacrifice?"

"Because your people fought us."

"You lie; you took those who were defenseless, and had no weapons. You do not tell the truth."

"The Great Spirit told us to kill you."

"Why do you try to lie to me. I do not believe you. The Great Spirit never told you so. He would not speak to you."

"The white man does not know. He speaks to us."

"Where does he speak to you?"

"In the sacred cave."

"How does he tell you?"

"With wonderful signs."

"Tell me some of the wonderful signs."

"He makes a great light, and we read it in the light. He makes a great noise, and we know what he says."

"Does he make a great light and a great noise up there?" and John pointed up to the heavens.

"Yes."

"Then why did you lie to me when you said that he speaks to you in the cave?"

"We can understand it only in the cave."

While they were thus speaking John held the stone cross in his hand, and the Krishnos eyed him curiously. He finally saw the movement, and, quick as a flash, he reached down in his pocket, unobserved by them, and drew forth one of the wooden matches, which they had made at the Cataract.

"What is this?" he asked sternly, pointing to the cross.

They raised their hands and rolled their eyes upwardly, as though about to pronounce a malediction on John. He deftly drew the match along the rear side of the stone, and as it blazed forth into light, he thrust it forward into their faces.

The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves on the ground in terror.

"The Great Spirit told me that you lied, and he is about to come out of the stone and consume you. He will follow you everywhere unless you go to the Tuolos at once and tell them that the Great Spirit has told you to give up the captives, and to never again kill any of them. You must tell them we have been sent to make them our friends, and that if they do not follow this advice we will punish them."

The Krishnos cringed before John. It was obvious to the surrounding warriors that the words they had heard had an ominous import, and they saw how feeble were the devices of the so-called wise men when pitted against the knowledge of John.

John assumed a most tragic attitude, as he slowly raised his arm and pointed with his finger to the savage village. "Go," he said, "and bring back to me the answer before the morning sun comes up."

They hesitated. "Do you fear to go? Are the wise men cowards? Did the Great Spirit tell you to fear the Tuolos? Shall we go and sacrifice all your people?"

"They will not believe us; they will kill us."

"Then they, too, know you have lied to them. If you remain here you will not be safe, because the great light might destroy you."

Then turning to Muro he said: "Take these men to their village, and see that they are forced to meet their chiefs," and with an imperious air he turned from them.

Muro's warriors were not too gentle with them. The spell of savage witchcraft had been broken. John and all of them knew it. They were hustled forward in the darkness, and as they approached the village Muro told them to advise the chiefs in his presence what John had said.

Muro and the warriors, with the loaded guns, remained at a safe distance, and the Krishnos entered the village. They waited in silence for more than an hour, and then a commotion was noticed, which grew more intense as the voices increased in volume.

In the meantime John with the rest of the warriors came up quietly in the rear, and, after consulting with Blakely and Muro, the village was surrounded.

The boys saw the large hut where they were confined, after being captured, and from which they were rescued. Calling John's attention to it, Ralph said: "That big house is the place they kept us, and that is where you found us."

John looked at them in surprise. He did not know this, as at the time the boys were rescued he was in mental darkness, and did not recall the incident.

It was obvious that some tragedy was being enacted. While awaiting the result of the conference Muro was away instructing the pickets who were around the village. He soon appeared, bringing with him two Tuolos whose dress betokened them as belonging to the same order as the individuals who had been sent into the village.

Calling John aside he said:

"The Tuolos have two rival sets of medicine men. These belong to the other set, and are the ones who perform the religious rites."

"Where did you find them?"

"Directly east of the village."

"Were they going to the village?"

"Yes."

"Did they come from the hill on the east side?"

John mused for a while, and then said quietly to Muro: "They came from a cave on the hill, where they perform their rites, and it is a place I want to see. It is one of the reasons I insisted on coming to settle matters first with the Tuolos."

Muro was astounded at the information, as he asked: "How do you know there is a cave in the hill?"

"Because I have been in it, and I know what it contains. They are having trouble in the village with the Krishnos we sent there."

"Yes," responded Muro; "and they have sent for the others, as they do not believe what they have told the chiefs."

"I will question the ones you have brought in."

The two captured were brought before John. They stood before him in defiant attitude, and some of the Brabo warriors cringed at their frowning mien.

"Why were you going to the village?" he asked with a severe frown.

At this question they scarcely deigned to move their heads, and were silent. The question was repeated, but they refused to answer. This was carrying out the very line of conduct which Muro had advised John would be the case, and in concert they had mapped out a course of action.

"Tell me, Muro, have any of your people the same fear of these Krishnos as the others possess in the various tribes?"

"It is the universal belief in the various tribes that to offend them means death. The only ones who are supreme are the chiefs, who often imprison them, but even the chiefs dare not kill them."

"Will your people carry out our command if we do not order them killed?"

"My people will do whatever I say, even though it be to kill them. They saw how the other Krishnos quaked when you made the fire come out of the stone."

"Then, if they refuse to answer me, I will order them to be beaten. You will understand."

"That will be done with pleasure," he answered.

It was obvious to all that the Krishnos considered themselves immune from the threats of John, as they stood there and seemed to breathe imprecations on the heads of their captors.



CHAPTER VIII

THE SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS

The situation was a tense one to the entire party, and John moved forward, placing himself directly in front of them.

"Do you think the Great Spirit can prevent us from punishing you? If you do not answer immediately I will call on him to lay stripes on you. Do you answer?"

He stepped back slowly, and then suddenly spoke out the warning signal that he had arranged with Muro, and instantly six of the most powerful Saboros sprang upon them and bound them together face to face. John stood there with arms folded. He raised a hand, and two of the warriors raised the supple and toughened twigs, and brought them down on their bare backs.

It was all done with such wonderful celerity and precision that it astounded the circle of warriors beyond measure, and the effect was doubly so to the two Krishnos. John had staged this to produce the greatest effect. The Krishnos were bound with their heads side by side, and a cloth put over their heads, so that they had no knowledge who their tormentors were.

They danced about, and in their shrieks called out imprecations on their enemies, but soon, as the blows continued, begged for mercy, and Muro signaled them to cease.

The cloth was removed and John again addressed them. They again persevered in their silence, and at a motion the cloth was again placed over their heads.

Before the second chastisement began they yielded and the cords were released.

"You see the Great Spirit did not come to your assistance. Why were you going to the village?"

"To tell the chiefs not to yield to you."

"The Great Spirit has told me to tell you that the Tuolos must give up their captives, and cease war. Will you tell the chief so?"

"The Great Spirit did not tell you so," they defiantly answered.

At a signal from John the cords were again brought into play, and the cloth exhibited. At this sight they pleaded for mercy, and promised to do as John requested. They were released and conducted to the outer line of pickets, and quickly disappeared within the village.

It was now nearly four in the morning, and the first streaks of light began to show in the east. Muro knew the Tuolo character. They regarded themselves to be the superiors of all the tribes, and hitherto had treated the others with contempt, excepting the Illyas, whom they respected only because they were the most powerful.

"They are having a warm time discussing the situation," remarked John, as he noted the surging inhabitants. That there was indecision became apparent, and the condition of the Krishnos more precarious, as light began to give them a more decided glimpse of the activities in the village.

Soon warriors were noticed rushing to and from the large circle within which the Krishnos sat. Bows and spears were hurriedly grasped.

"What does it mean?" asked John.

"It is likely they know they are surrounded, and have decided to defend themselves," answered Muro.

A warrior of distinguished appearance emerged from the circle, and advanced toward the position occupied by John. Muro beckoned to John, and together they moved into the open. The warrior saw the two approaching, and he halted.

Turning to his band he spoke a word, and another no less distinguished stepped from the rank and moved toward him.

"The first one is the chief, and the other one he called to follow is the next in rank. As there are two of us, so must there be two on his side."

John and Muro advanced without halting, and as they neared each other the chief, in the most haughty manner, addressed Muro as follows:

"Why do you come to make war on my people?"

Muro, taking his cue from John's previous attitude, rose to his full height and replied: "You have always been the aggressor against the other people, and you have within the last moon killed and taken two Brabos in captivity, and we demand their return."

"That I will not do."

"Then the White Chief will speak to you."

John advanced and began the conversation. "The white people do not desire war. You captured two of my people and I took them from you with only four men. All the tribes but you and the Illyas have united to compel you to submit, and you shall not again be free to murder and injure other people.

"If you want war, we are prepared to fight you. Your village is surrounded, and we have the fire guns which will compel you to yield. If you will surrender, we will see to it that you and your people shall not be harmed, but if you resist you will be killed. You cannot escape."

The chief was stunned, and could not answer. John saw the impression the address had made, and proceeded: "What did the Krishnos tell you? Did they not tell you to surrender? Did they not tell you that they lied when they said the Great Spirit wanted you to kill us?"

The chief was silent. Was he debating the matter in his mind? John continued: "When this speaks," he said, pointing to his gun, "all of the fire guns about your village will speak."

"How shall we know you will keep your word?"

Muro held up his hand, as he spoke: "Ask the Kurabus whether the White Chief keeps his word."

Before he could reply, John added: "The White Chief keeps his word. He believes the people here will keep their word if they know the others will do so. He has armed the tribes who have allied themselves with him, because he believes in them, and we do not want to make you captives, or offer sacrifices of your brave men."

"The White Chief speaks wisely," said Muro. "He does not believe in making sacrifices. The Great Spirit has told him that is wrong."

Still the chief pondered, and, slowly raising his head, said: "I believe the white man, and what he says. I will tell my people."

He turned and moved toward the village, John and Muro remaining there, as an indication that they expected an immediate answer.

"He will yield," said Muro, "and according to custom, will first tell his people what his decision is."

Muro was right. Within a half hour the chief advanced at the head of his warriors, the latter of whom had left their bows and spears at the circle, and the two stood ready to receive them.

As the two chiefs appeared the warriors lined up behind them.

"I have brought my warriors here to show you that we will be friends." And John advanced and took the hand of the chief.

"In my country we become friends when we take each other's hands, and I am glad to see that you have wisdom to accept us as your friends."

At a signal from Muro, the warriors advanced from all sides, and together they marched into the village, the different ones telling the Tuolos the wonderful things the White Chief was doing, and how they were bringing all the tribes together, and making them stop war.

The first act of the Tuolo chief was to liberate the two Brabo warriors. When the wagon was driven into the village, the people gathered around the curious contrivance. Some of them remembered it when it was there nearly a year before, but under quite different circumstances.

The boys, Ralph and Tom, soon attracted the attention of the chief. He went up to them, and simulating the act of John, held out his hand. The boys understood it, and respectfully responded and saluted the chief, in regular military fashion.

Then, climax to the foregoing events, Blakely gave a word of command to the fifty who were armed with the guns, and for the benefit of their new allies, put them through a manual of arms. The precision with which this was done, and the remarkable manner in which the subsequent evolutions were performed, astonished the Tuolos.

While this was going on there was little time to notice the condition of the Krishnos. They had been bound; and were now lying in disgrace at the place where the circle had been formed, trembling at their fate.

Before preparations had been made for breakfast, the chief gave a command, and a number of warriors rushed up to the poor fellows, and began to drag them to the large hut.

Muro motioned to John, and quietly said: "They will probably torture them."

John appeared before the chief and said: "The Great Spirit will be offended if you injure the Krishnos."

"What would you have me do with them?"

"Give them to me."

The chief ordered them to be brought forward, and spoke to them: "The White Chief has asked me not to injure you, and at his command I have given you to him."

This announcement seemed to stun them, but Muro was quick to assure them that the White Chief meant no harm.

The boys took complete satisfaction in going over to the large hut, to again witness the place where they had spent two weeks in terror, expecting that each day would be their last.

But we must return to the Professor and the colony. Two days after the departure of John and his force, the second insulting message came from the Illyas, in which the statement was made that they and the Tuolos had united to drive the White Chief from the country and to destroy the tribes who were allied against them.

A messenger was sent after John, but this was not necessary, as the Tuolos were in their power before the messenger came.

The Professor had ordered the building of a number of small houses, each containing two or three rooms, and these were plainly fitted up for comfort. Some of the natives became quite expert at putting up these structures when once directed.

George and Jim were set to work, with a half dozen of the men, at building chairs and tables for the houses, and the work of weaving the cloth goods was not interrupted for a moment. As stated, the women began to drift in, and the Professor welcomed them. When they arrived, many of them with their children, the Professor assigned them and their husbands to these cottages.

This was an intense delight to them. Each cottage had a small patch of ground surrounding it, and the first care was to advise them how to lay off and plant flowers about the place, to make the surroundings attractive.

It must not be thought that the houses were gifts. It was not the purpose to instill the idea that this work was one of charity. Instead each head of a family was made to understand that he must pay for the home, and this was done in as simple a manner as possible, so it would be appreciated and understood.

Individual effort was stimulated on the part of the different workers. As fast as the members of a worker's family arrived, they were installed in houses, and then began a new system of providing for their keep. Hitherto, they had boarded at the expense of the common fund; but now this was gradually changed, and they were informed that each family must provide its own food, and that those who did so would receive a larger number of coins.

This resulted in each one trying to find some new direction in which they could get the coins. It is curious how this new phase of living brought out traits common to humanity everywhere. Some more eager than others, and having less honesty than the common run of natives, sought to get their sustenance by resorting to trickery and thievery.

In their native state this was not considered a crime. It was commendable, unless detected. But by constant talk, on the part of the Professor, and by example, he instilled into the policemen, which he had installed, the principles of honesty. He awarded those who were vigilant, and the result was that they were most acute to detect the rogues.

The first thief was caught the day after John's party had gone. He was immediately brought before the Professor. The arrest of a thief was such a new proceeding that the workers could not be kept at work, and the Professor suggested that they should all be present at the trial.

The inquiry was conducted with decorum, Harry being appointed to prosecute him, and George to defend the prisoner. George did it vigorously, too, but it was a plain and palpable case, and he was found guilty. This proceeding was another entirely new manner of treating an offender, and the people marveled at the attempt to defend the thief.

The Professor saw the cause of the wonderment, and said: "We do not defend the wrong, but we believe that each man who is charged with a crime should be permitted to defend himself. If he does not know how to properly defend himself, then it is our duty to see that he is protected in all his rights, for he is not a criminal until it is proven."

"He has tried to explain why he took the goods, but you know what he has said was not true, and he must be punished for it. He must work two moons without getting any of the coins, and if he repeats the crime, he must work until he restores the value of the goods taken, so that each one will know that a thief cannot take things from another without paying for it."

The incident for a long time deterred anyone from repeating the offense. It was an object lesson, because it instilled a respect for a law which was fair to all.

Suros, the chief of the Berees, was the most impressed by the scene, and could not express himself too forcibly at the wonderful effect which the principle would have on the tribes in their dealings with each other. He was really an intelligent native, far ahead of the others in his comprehension of the duties of one to the other.

The fact that he was regarded with reverence by all but the Kurabus, and was even respected by them, was a strong factor in determining the Professor to set in motion a form of government which it was hoped would forever terminate all bitterness of feeling between the tribes, and which will be detailed hereafter.

During the day on which the Tuolos submitted, the two chiefs, together with John, Blakely and Muro, were frequently in consultation.

"The Great White Chief, who rules all of us, wishes to see you, and you must bring fifty of your warriors with you to his village," said John. "He will show you how you can be made strong, and your people happy. He will tell you what our purpose is, and what the Great Spirit asks you to do. We will start in the morning."

The chief, to the surprise of all, did not demur at this. That night John called in Blakely, Muro, Ralph and Tom.

"I want you to go with me to the cave on the hill to the east. There are some things which belong to us. We shall take them, since they are of no use to the people here, and we may be able to put some of the things in such a condition that they will be of value to the people on the island."

The wagon was taken along, and the people wondered at the strange proceedings. Many of them followed, but Muro warned them to remain behind. It was evident to all, however, that they were going to the Krishno cave, and its purport was a mystery to them.

John's sense of direction did not deceive him. He soon found the entrance on the village side, and, lighting the candles, immediately entered the cavern. John led the way, as his experience in its hollows enabled him to point out the direction to be taken.

The interior, lighted up by the candles, was most weird and beautiful. The stalactite hangings were not massive, but showed the most delicate tracings, in the first chamber reached. This was the western wing of the great interior cross which John had previously described.



CHAPTER IX

PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NATIVES

Directly beyond this chamber, and on a line with the entrance passage, was an extension which led to the other side of the hill. The chamber formed an immense cross, in its plan section, and the two lateral extremities were the points of interest.

The party first went to the left, and there found the habitation of the Krishnos. Peculiar implements and instruments were discovered, and all of these were taken, and placed together, Muro and the boys looking on in wonder.

Among them were found a number of crude crosses and numerous charms or amulets, the kind that they vended, and which the natives gave their souls and bodies to acquire.

"The possession of these will be of great service to us, as the people reverence them, and we must not expect to change their beliefs in a fortnight."

"You said there was a lot of treasure here," remarked Ralph.

"That is in the other wing of the chamber. As we have everything from this place that is serviceable, we will go to the south wing."

The recessed part of the chamber at this place had the appearance of being carved from the rock, and decorated with the universal calcium. The floor was covered with stalagmites, rough and uneven, showing that the place had not been trod, perhaps for centuries.

"What are those curious things?" asked Tom, gazing at the square-shaped objects, which were arranged in one corner.

"By opening them we shall see."

"Here is one, partly opened," exclaimed Ralph in great excitement.

"Yes; that is the one I tried to get into," answered John. "Notwithstanding it was a hazardous thing to do at the time, I took the risk. The Krishnos were at that very time at the other wing which we just left."

The receptacle was brought out and examined. The wealth of gold and silver was amazing. Blakely could hardly believe the testimony of his eyes.

"Your ship, the Adventurer, is floating around in pieces on the Pacific, but I imagine there is enough here to compensate you for the loss of the vessel," remarked John, as he noticed Blakely's wondering look.

"How can we ever get all this stuff on the wagon?" asked Tom. "The boxes are all falling to pieces."

"The Krishnos have plenty of copper vessels, as well as others, which they have gathered up from the wrecks on the coast. You know the best of everything goes to them, and the chiefs are not strong enough really to prevent them on account of the superstitious fears they inculcate."

True enough, the eastern wing had a hoard of vessels, some of them of the greatest value, which were arranged about the chests of treasure, and the work of filling the receptacles was industriously undertaken. This occupied them for fully three hours, and the greater task of carrying them to the wagon was begun.

When they emerged from the cave at four in the morning they were tired beyond all description, but they had a mass of treasure, that did not pale in comparison with the amount taken out of the caverns near the Cataract.

In the morning the Tuolos were selected, and the chief invited to enter the wagon. John went to the large hut, and released the Krishnos. They were unbound, and directed to follow the marching column, surprised at being free from the captive bonds. They could not understand such treatment, and this was heightened when John ordered the aged Krishno, who walked with difficulty, to take a place in the wagon.

The natives saw the warriors and their chief depart, not as prisoners, since all had their weapons, but conducted in state, if the appearance of the chief in the vehicle was an indication of the proceeding.

Two days thereafter the cavalcade approached the village, and the chief strained his eyes, as he peered at the multitude about him, and saw a village of a most remarkable character, where two moons before was a virgin tract of land.

The venerable appearance of the Professor attracted him. He was startled at the sight of Suros, and then, glancing about, he recognized Oma of the Brabos, Uraso of the Osagas, and lastly, Tastoa, chief of the Kurabus, lately his ally.

The Professor welcomed him with outstretched hand. "You are wondering at the sight of your late enemies, and of your friends. We have nothing but friends here. They can tell you that we welcome you as a friend, and will explain why we do so. We will show you what the people are doing for themselves, and how happily they live, and the White Chief brought you here so that you might see these things for yourself."

"We welcome you, Marmo, as one of our friends," said Suros. "I tried many moons ago to tell you that the Great Spirit did not want us to kill each other, but the wise men told you differently. We do not believe them any more, but listen to the White Chief."

"He has told us the most wonderful things, and taught us how the white men live, and how different tribes live together in peace."

After the welcoming functions and the explanations were concluded, he was taken to the different works, and everything explained to him. He saw the water wheel, and how it turned the sawmill and the grindstone and lathes, and the mill for making the flour.

The looms interested him the most of all. It is singular how the various tools and machinery affected the different ones, and this was particularly observed by the boys.

"I have watched the several tribes," said Harry, "as they first looked about them at the strange things, and it is curious how the different things impress them. I have noticed that the Osagas are particularly interested in machinery. The Saboros like anything connected with the soil, and they would make good agriculturists."

"Don't you remember when Uraso came to the Cataract he never took any stock in the guns, but Stut couldn't keep his hands off them?" responded Tom.

"The old chief Marmo thought the loom was the finest thing in the whole lot. He is over there now, and has been watching it for the last two hours."

For two days the chief wandered around, paying no attention to anything but the machinery, and the products turned out. The coins were a novelty, and a string was presented to him. He noticed the friendly attitude of all the warriors to his men, and marveled at the change.

He could not understand why the men would work for the coins, and then give them up for something else. The Professor tried to explain this, and it must be confessed that it was a hard thing to do. It seemed that nothing but a practical application would make it plain.

The Tuolo chief was a ready listener now, and was unusually quick to grasp a situation, although he could not learn the ethics of the white man. The Professor had him present at one of the trials for theft of a petty nature, which occurred a few days after his arrival.

He was surprised to find that any notice should be taken of such a trivial affair. The Professor, commenting on it at the trial, which he did particularly for the benefit of Marmo, said: "It is not the amount of the theft, but the act itself, which we must condemn. If you could have taken a larger amount you would have done so, and you must learn that the property you took did not belong to you but the some one else, and that is just as much a crime as though you took all the man possessed."

That was sufficient for his first lesson in justice. "But," he asked of the Professor, "can all men be guilty of doing wrong?"

"Can you do wrong?"

"Yes."

"But you are a Great Chief, and how can you do wrong in taking things from your people?"

"Because the people own the things, just as much as you own the things which you have properly obtained."

"Then if you do wrong, will you be punished?"

"Yes; just the same as the people who do wrong. My punishment should be greater, if I do wrong, because I should set them an example to do right."

"But how can I do wrong if I take anything from my people? I own everything."

"Who gave everything to you? By what right should you or I own everything? Because we are chiefs does not give us the right to own everything."

"Then how can the chiefs ever own anything?"'

"They should work for it like everyone else does."

"Do you work like the others do?"

"Yes; I oversee the work of others and try to make them happy, and see that no one is idle and that the laws are obeyed. For that work I am paid, just as the others are paid for the work they do. I do this work because my people ask me to do so, and they pay me a certain number of coins for the work, the same as the man is paid for the particular work he does."

This doctrine, so entirely new, could not be grasped at once, and he continued with his questionings: "But the people may not want me as their chief, and take some one else, and that would cause trouble, and no one would know who was chief."

"Then it becomes your duty to so conduct yourself that they will not want some one else to be chief. If a man works for me and he does not know or care how he does the work, or is careless, and I cannot depend on him, I get somebody else in his place. Would you keep such a man?"

"No; but I would have the power to send him away."

"Then the wise chief must know that if he acts as a true father to his people they will not try to get another chief."

Blakely had been a man of affairs at home, and was a sharp, shrewd business man. To him the Professor entrusted the arranging of the affairs of the town, impressing on him the importance of directing the natives into a wide and diversified character of enterprises.

The business was one admirably suited to his temperament. He had long ago spoken to the boys and John about the promotion of the island, by the establishments of various industries, and particularly agricultural pursuits, which would require workmen to cultivate coffee, cocoa, the spices, and the numerous vegetable products which grew in a wild state in great abundance everywhere.

These various articles, if grown systematically, would mean an immense source of wealth, and should afford employment for all the natives, and thus mean their advancement.

The hills were full of mineral. He knew this, and had the testimony of the Professor as to the valuable character of the various ores. Sooner or later communication could now be established with the outer world. All were contemplating the preparation of a suitable vessel which would enable them to return to the United States.

One evening, while the conversation was on this absorbing topic, he remarked: "I don't know how you gentlemen feel about this place, but as for myself I feel that from a business point of view this is the ideal spot. I am just as anxious as you are to see my home again, but the possibilities are so immense here, that, as soon as possible, I shall come back."

"For my part," replied the Professor, "if a ship should appear in the harbor to-morrow, I would not for a moment consider leaving these people. The work of their redemption is not even started in such a way as to permit me to safely leave them. The boys may well be pardoned and commended for wanting to go home, but my work is here."

"That expresses my sentiment exactly," said Harry. "I want to go home, it is true, but what a wonderful experience we have had here, and when I think of the remarkable progress we have made it astonishes me more than I can tell you. If I do go home it will be to come back again, because I want to be where the Professor is. I like this work, and the excitement it affords."

"You won't have any more savages to fight," responded the Professor, "and it might not be so interesting for you."

"Making guns is much more pleasant than using them against people."

George's face was a study. He was the sentimental one of the lot. He was by all odds the most emotional, and the greatest lover of home. But withal that he reechoed the sentiments of Harry. "If I could only see home again, I would be content, and when I came back it would be to know that I could return whenever I wanted to."

All the boys were enthusiastic about the trip home. Many plans were projected, and talked over.

"Won't it create a sensation," remarked Ralph, "when it is announced that three of the Investigator's lifeboats were wrecked on an island, and that the survivors arrived after an absence of—"

"Yes," broke in Tom. "How long?"

"That will depend on several things," said John. "First, to bring the Illyas to terms, and second, to build a boat big enough to take us safely to the nearest harbor which is in communication with America. As for myself, this life and the hopes for the future are too alluring for me to even try to get away."

With characteristic energy Blakely consulted Harry and the working force in the shop.

"Do you think we could turn out some plows?" he asked.

Harry smiled. "This establishment is prepared to turn out anything it has orders for."

"Then put down my order for a half dozen plows, to be delivered as quickly as possible."

The new town was located within the territorial limits of the Osagas' country, and it was now necessary to make immediate provision for some sort of laws or regulations with respect to the land. The savage theory was that the chief owned all the land, and this was a condition that well might breed trouble.

Osaga was the chief. He was the first to receive the full understanding of the new doctrine. It was proposed that he should receive as full compensation a certain stipulated sum, and in return make a transfer of all his rights to the State.

"But what is the State," he asked, "and who will he be?"

"The State will mean all of you."

"Then I will own a part of it just the same as everybody else?"

"Yes; let me explain that still further. When your people begin to raise coffee and cocoa, and all the other things which the people in the world will come here for and buy of you, the lands all about you will become very valuable, and many will come here to buy them. The money will go to the State, which means you and everyone else here."

"Will it be done the same with the Berees, and the Kurabus and the Saboros?"

"Yes; each will be a State of its own, and will be governed in the same way, and a Saboro will come here and buy some land, and you will protect him, and when one of the Osagas goes to the Berees he can buy land there, and they must protect him and his wife and children."

"Yes; I see what you mean. I am content. I will do this whether the others do or not."

"But I assure you," continued the Professor, "that the others will be compelled to do as you do."

"How can we compel them?"

"No one will want to buy their land, and they will not become valuable for that reason, like yours, because the people who come here will buy only where they know there is a law and where they know they will be protected."

Uraso grasped the wonderful import of this statement, and became its most enthusiastic advocate. He had many talks with Marmo and Muro, and he presented the matter in such a way that most suitably appealed to the savage mind.

The all-absorbing topic now was the proposed expedition to the Illyas. Marmo, the Tuolo chief, had sent a message to their chief, in which he set forth the advantages which would accrue to them to quietly submit, and also stated that he did so willingly, in the belief such a course would be of the greatest and most lasting benefit.

Marmo had received no response, and the outlook boded no good. Preparations were begun, and Marmo insisted that his warriors should form part of the force, and that he himself would accompany the expedition. As the boys, by the aid of their helpers, had been at work on the guns from the time the factory was set up, they had a hundred and twenty guns completed. This was ample for any requirement.

Two new wagons were also made, and several smaller ones, designed for single steers, the latter being used by the Professor and the chiefs in going to and fro.



CHAPTER X

THE PECULIAR SAVAGE BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS

The chief Marmo had now an opportunity to learn another lesson he was not prepared for. Many of the warriors objected to going on the expedition. The work at the factory and in the various occupations so fascinated them that they begged to be excused.

At the request of the Professor many were excused from going, care having been taken to consult the boys who had charge of the various parts of the business as to the ones which could best be spared.

Marmo mused over these things. He saw the great cordiality that existed between his warriors and the other tribes. He was also gratified to see some of his men making things which were novel to him, as they were fascinating to the men.

The Krishnos were all about and were the personal charges of the Professor. He had them, daily in the laboratory, and all seemed to be pleased and happy. Marmo wanted to know whether they desired to go home, but all declined. There seemed to be a fascination about the place he could not understand.

One evening the Professor saw a Tuolo worker stealthily coming up the pathway leading to the laboratory, and after looking about with a curious air, pushed open the door, and in the most subservient manner begged permission to speak.

The Professor took him by the hand and led him to a chair. "What is it you want, my man? Can I do anything for you!"

The hearty manner and smiling face of the Professor emboldened him to speak.

"I have a wife and three children in the Tuolo village, and I want permission to bring them here."

"Don't you want to go back there?"

"If I do then I will have no more work. I like the work. I can make many things now, and I want my family here."

This was an appeal which could not be neglected, and he responded in this manner: "You do not need to ask me to bring your family here. You have a right to do so."

"But my chief will not let me do so."

"Did you ask him?"

"No."

"Then I will send for him."

"When Marmo appeared the Professor told him the desire of the man, and when he had concluded the chief was puzzled for a moment, and, turning to the warrior, said:

"I cannot understand why my warriors do not care about going to war. They like the machinery, and the way the little things are made, and to learn how to make them. The White Chief says you have a right to bring your family here. That is well; but you must not forget your people, and when you learn these wonderful things you must come and teach the people at the village how to do them."

He was extremely gratified at this permission. A half hour afterwards the Professor called Tom and told him of the incident, and suggested that he should be provided with a quantity of food for the journey. But he had already gone. That was certainly sufficient to show the intense eagerness to bring back his people.

George and Ralph were the ones who were always on the alert for new things, and Jim made a good companion for them in this respect. The latter was the first one to actively canvass the subject of a name.

There had been too much to do even to think of this before, and if it occurred to the Professor he had never mentioned it. Jim went over to see the Professor as soon as the idea occurred to him.

The Professor smiled when he saw Jim's eagerness.

"Yes, the idea is a good one, but that is something which you boys will have to decide. It has not occurred to John and Blakely, I know."

"I thought it would be a good thing to call it Industria, or something of that kind," responded Jim.

"I like that name, but you settle it among yourselves." Jim was back very quickly, and rushing in to the boys, cried out:

"The Professor said it was up to us to get a name for it."

"Name for what?" asked Harry.

"For the town, of course."

"Well, what shall it be?" asked Tom.

"Call it America," shouted Will.

"Oh, that's too big a name," roared Ralph, with a scornful touch in his voice. "Just imagine how this would sound: 'William Rudel, Esq., America, Wonder Island?' What would the postmaster think of such an address?"

It did look a little out of proportion, as the boys laughed at the sally.

"Let's call it Independence; everybody seems to be pretty independent here," was Tom's suggestion.

"I have the best name in the lot."

"What is it?"

"Industria."

"There you are again with your Latin," answered Harry. "This is going to a real American town. None of your Latin endings, or any other dead language. This is a live town."

"Here is John; let's get a suggestion from him."

He heard the merry laughter, and as he approached wonderingly inquired about the cause of the hilarity. George said: "We have been holding a convention to find a name for the town. We have decided to leave it to you."

"Name of the town? Let me see. I suppose you want a stunning name? Something that will make people sit up and take notice. Eh? Well, if it turns out all right it doesn't need a name, and if it is a failure everybody will be calling it names."

The boys laughed at this first attempt that John had ever essayed to treat a subject in a jesting way, but he continued: "If this convention hasn't enough wit about it to select a name I don't think you ought to get an outsider to make a suggestion. But seriously, Unity would be a good name; and so Hustletown."

"Unity is just the thing," suggested George. There was not a dissenting voice.

"Now that we have the name, I suppose we shall have to christen it to make it hold," remarked George.

"Considering the trials and tribulations we have gone through to put this town on the map it doesn't need any christening. If we work as hard to make it a success as we did to get it started we needn't be ashamed of it," said Harry.

"Probably, the same principle will apply in this case as the sentence uttered by the Hindoo priests at the christening of an infant."

"What is that?"

"Thou hast come into the world with all around thee smiling; so live that when thou departest thou mayest smile while all around thee weep."

"That is a beautiful sentiment. Hurrah for Unity!" and George raised his hat to start the shouting.

As the expedition against the Illyas was about ready to start, the time for the departure was set for the following day. Two of the wagons were brought into requisition, and loaded with sufficient provisions to prevent the necessity of foraging too much.

George and Harry begged to be taken along, as they had put in some strenuous times during the two months at Unity, and this was readily granted. The other boys were to remain and take charge of the active work. John had command of the expedition, and Blakely had now too much work at the new town to enable him to take part.

Over three hundred warriors were mustered for the expedition. One hundred of the picked men had the muzzle-loading guns, and an ample supply of ammunition was stored in the wagons, and each gun bearer had twenty-five rounds.

The Professor said, on the eve of their departure: "I have every confidence in the ability of Mr. Varney to make it unnecessary to give him any advice, but I must say a word to all the warriors. You are going to the tribes, not for the purpose of revenge. We know they have captives in their possession, and we have demanded their return. They sent us an insulting message.

"Notwithstanding this, we must consider that they have sent us this reply out of ignorance of our true purpose. Each man must conduct himself as the chiefs dictate. There must be no killing except in self-defense."

Muro and Uraso, as well as Ralsea, were to accompany them, but the other chiefs were kept at home, this arrangement having been made because the others really preferred to continue the work in the factory and field.

It was a glorious day to begin the campaign. George and Harry were in their element.

"What a wonderful thing it is to look at these people now, and recall what our situation was a year ago," said Harry, as they drove down the road which had been made from the village to the east.

"Yes; a year ago, we were having some troubles, as it was about that time we got the first intelligence that these people were on the island," answered George.

"I had particular reference to the trip we made by sea, when we were wrecked the second time."

The entire column marched out past the Professor and the chiefs Oma, Suros, Marmo and Tastoa. The six tribes had contributed to the expedition, which they hoped would end all future wars, and put the island in a condition of peace, and thus enable them to carry out the great work planned by the Professor.

Before evening of the second day the main Saboro village came in sight. Muro was in a heaven of delight. Many of his warriors were in the column, and some still remained at Unity. But the women and children were still there, and they rushed out to meet the advancing column.

The news of the uprising of the Illyas was confirmed. A large party of them were less than a day's march to the east, and the appearance of the fighting force was a welcome one. There was no reason to apprehend that they had any knowledge of the surrender of the Tuolos.

The night and part of the day spent at the Saboro village was a period of feasting. Uraso met his sister, the wife of Muro, and the boys were lionized by the chief's family, who took particular pleasure in entertaining them. They had heard so much about the remarkable boys, and their capacity to make the beautiful things.

Harry and George brought with them a number of the mirrors, and those, with other little trinkets, were presented to the women. The boys were particularly impressed with Muro's eldest son, a boy of their same age, and George won Muro's heart when he asked if he could not accompany them.

Speaking to Harry he said: "Wouldn't Lolo enjoy the work at the factory? I hope he will let us take him with us when we go back."

"I am going to ask Muro," replied Harry, and he sought him out at once. "We want Lolo to go back with us to Unity."

Muro was delighted at the proposal, and he answered: "Yes; Lolo shall go back with us, because all of my family are going with us and we shall live there."

This news was a source of the greatest pleasure, you may be sure, and it was most gratifying to Muro, because he admired the boys.

"Lolo will like to work in the shop with you. He can now make the best bows in the tribe, and he makes fine arrows." And Lolo exhibited some of his handiwork, which, from the standpoint of the native weapons, was really creditable.

Returning now to Unity, we shall have to relate some very singular thing's which should be mentioned, as it shows the peculiar beliefs and practices of the natives.

On the day the force left the village occurred the first death in Unity. This was one of the warriors, who had been wounded during the last fight with the Tuolos and Illyas, and he had lingered along until he finally succumbed. He was one of the best men, and was mourned by the Osagas, of which he was a member.



Singularly, another of the same tribe died the following morning, who was the exact opposite of the warrior. Within six hours of the death of the latter his friends carried him away, and he was buried. The warrior, however, was not buried, but, instead, his body was carried to an open place, fully a half mile beyond the town, and placed on a hanging cot suspended from two trees.

The boys witnessed the ceremonies, and could not understand the meaning of it.

"Why do they bury one so soon after death, and keep the other for several days, and then suspend his body in the air?" asked Tom.

The Professor, who attended both ceremonies, responded: "This action on their part has a great significance. In most savage countries there is no more noble thing than to die on the battlefield. Usually those who die in that way are not accorded a burial, generally, because, in case such a warrior belongs to a defeated party, his friends do not have the opportunity to inter the body.

"Sir Samuel Baker, in his book, 'The Explorations on the White Nile,' relates an incident where he came to a village which had two graveyards, on opposite sides of the road. On one side were the scattered bones of the dead, and on the other side mounds to indicate burial plots.

"On questioning the chief, he said: 'Yes; our honored dead have their bones exposed, as you see, but those who were of no use are put out of sight underground.'

"So the object seemed to be to keep them where the people could see them?"

"That appears to be the reason the chief gave to Baker. But there may be another reason for this custom, and I shall get Suros' views on that subject."

"Isn't there some religious meaning connected with it," asked Ralph.

"I do not think so. Here is Suros; let us question him."

As Suros approached the Professor said: "I notice that one has been put underground and the other not; why do they observe this difference?"

"We cannot honor the dead by allowing them to go back to the earth."

"Why will it do any good to honor the dead?"

"If we did not honor them, no one would want to be great. No one would like to be a great warrior."

"Is that the only reward a man has, to be honored after he is dead?"

"What other reward has a man?"

"Do you not think man will live hereafter?"

"When? After he dies?"

"No; how can man live after he dies, and his body is given to the winds or to the earth?"

"The white man believes he will live again?"

"Does the white man believe the yak will live again?"

"No."

"Well the yak is stronger than a man, and if the yak cannot live again, then how can man, who is not so strong, expect to do so?"

This was a bit of philosophy which sounded curiously to the boys, and the Professor, noticing it, said: "Singularly, this is the same answer which Sir Samuel Baker obtained from certain African tribes, when he questioned them in like manner."

But the Professor was interested in Suros' statement that they would not permit the body of the honored dead to go back to the earth, and he continued:

"You said that you did not want the honored dead to go back to the earth. When you give his body to the air, does it not go back to the earth?"

"No; the earth and the air are entirely different, The Great Spirit is in the air; not in the earth."

"Then you give him to the Great Spirit?"

"Yes; the Great Spirit takes his body."

"Don't you believe that man has a spirit also?"

"No; because we have never seen it."

"But you have never seen the Great Spirit, and yet you say there is one."

"We have seen the Great Spirit. He comes when it rains, and we can see him and hear him. We can feel the wind that he blows, and we can see the great light which he makes every day, and the smaller lights at his villages every night."

Two things were thus impressed on the boys—namely, that they considered the air entirely distinct from the earth, and that the Great Spirit made the thunder and lightning, and that the sun was the Spirit's light by day, and the moon and stars the lights of his villages by night.

Notwithstanding Suros' limited knowledge, it must be said that in his further talk with the Professor he showed himself to be possessed of qualities which placed him far above the common run of the natives. When he was asked why honor was such a prize to them, he answered:

"Our good men are happy to know that they are so placed that the Great Spirit can take them. What greater happiness is there for him?"

"Don't you believe that trying to make your people happy and contented will please the Great Spirit?"

"We do not know that. We do not know why the Great Spirit should want the bodies of our great warriors and good men. We cannot understand it."

"The white man believes that if you do good to your fellow-man it will please the Great Spirit."

"That may be; but I do not see why. There is no reason why he should care how I treat my people. That is not what he is up there for. What good will it do him? How will it help him? I do not believe many of the things I have been told by the wise men, and I have never sacrificed the captives I have taken, although my father before me did. I try to make my people happy, because when I see the Great Spirit giving us the day and the bright light and the rain, so that the things about us may grow, it seems to me that he is trying to be good to us, and I believe that is what we should do to each other."



CHAPTER XI

EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS

The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives. They were exceedingly primitive. The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article. The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B). To weave the goods, the woof thread (C) is threaded back and forth, and as they had no needles for the purpose, a thorn was used.

This thorn had no eye, but its large end was split, and the end of the thread held in the cleft thus made. Every family had this primitive loom, and the whole time, outside of their other household duties, was given to the weaving process.

The size of each woven piece was about twelve by fifteen inches, and the different sections were afterwards sewn together. When they saw the more modern looms at work it interested them intensely, and the Professor, noticing their eagerness and natural talents in this direction, concluded that this was a good field to encourage the industry.



Most of the looms made goods thirty inches wide, and it was not long before several of the women were instructed in the art of using the looms. Like all of the low order of people, they were extremely fond of colors, and that is one of the things which attracted them to the fabrics which had been previously made and exhibited. At the end of the week they were paid for their work, the same as the others who were employed. The Professor now considered it time to make a change in the system of providing supplies. Under the direction of Will, a store was set up, which had on hand a supply of vegetables and game. As many of the warriors were away, and the others were generally employed in the workshop and fields, some systematic effort had to be made to gather food supplies and hunt.

By offering certain sums for such articles the Professor induced individual effort in that direction. The provender thus provided was placed on sale in the store, and by every art the heads of families were encouraged to purchase those things and take them home for consumption there.

Gradually, the workers were made to understand that a certain sum would be expected in return for their board, so that, in course of time, each one became accustomed to know the values of certain things all of which were measured by the coins now in circulation.

The kitchen utensils were very limited indeed. They had no metal vessels of any kind. Any article of that kind was worth a fortune, and it was only the chiefs who had such things, and they were obtained from the wrecks of vessels which had reached them from time to time.

Under the direction of the Professor, considerable time was given to the bringing in of ores, particularly iron, and the process of recovering the metals from the ores was undertaken by a considerable part of the force.

Charcoal and coke were turned out, as a preliminary to the smelting of the ores, and as fast as the metal was in shape, cooking vessels of various sizes were manufactured, and these were placed on sale at the store. It was thus possible for each family to acquire several articles of this kind, which heretofore had been considered the most valuable of all treasures.

Such a thing as a chair or a table was unknown on the island. The beds were made of the native grasses, strewn on the floor. It will be understood, therefore, that the manner of furnishing the houses occupied by the whites was a marvel; and when the families of the various workers moved into their new possessions, it naturally dawned on them that chairs and tables, as well as properly arranged beds, should accompany such luxury.

The Professor was at the homes of these people daily, suggesting ideas for comfort and convenience. One of the things which interested him most was the subject of cleanliness. People living in the manner to which they were accustomed, made the sanitary part of the domestic arrangement an exceedingly difficult problem.

The necessity of cleanliness was impressed on them very forcibly when, later on, he was called to administer to many of the children, who were attacked by diseases, brought on directly by carelessness in thoroughly removing all dirt and decaying matter.

To a certain degree the natives understood this, and the subject has been referred to previously, where they had the habit of anointing their bodies and those of the infants with various oils, which were obnoxious to insects and germs.

That knowledge made the task of using disinfectants much easier to instill in their minds. It was impressed on them that properly caring for the home was a daily task, and must not be neglected.

The women used combs made from the fins of fish. These were constructed in the following manner: The entire fin was removed, and the bony structure at the base of the teeth was bound between two strips of bamboo, and tied around by fibers, as shown. The whole was then placed in a vessel containing boiling water. The result was that when taken out the meat of the fish, being glue-like, would act as a cement to hold the teeth in place.



Such combs are anything but sanitary, as might be surmised, and the inhabitants were subject to pests arising from articles so made. Their only salvation was, in fact, the daily habit of using oil, and, from a sanitary point of view, there was nothing objectionable to this excepting the odor which naturally followed, due to the oil becoming rancid. The boys then began to make combs from a specie of bamboo, and from the ironwood tree.

During one of the fishing trips the boys brought home an immense turtle. The Professor's eyes sparkled when he saw it.

Will related their experience in capturing it. "Is it good to eat?" he asked.

"Yes; all turtles and tortoises are good to eat."

"What is the difference between the two?"

"The turtle is a sea animal, and the tortoise a land and water animal. You must have caught this near the sea, as it is a specie of turtle called the Testudo."

"What a beautiful mottled top it has!"

"That is why it interested me so much," replied the Professor. "You now have something that is far better than the wood for making combs and other like articles."

"Isn't that fine! Will it be difficult to make them up from this?"

"It is the simplest thing in the world. The outer shell, which is all that is used, is put into boiling water, and this softens it so that it can be worked easily."

"It seems singular that it is called a 'tortoise' shell if the land animals are called tortoises."

"When the shell first became a matter of commerce, it was supposed that the turtle and the tortoise were the same, and the name tortoise being much older than turtle, the former appellation remained in designating the shell."

The day and night of festivities of John and the warriors, at the Saboro village, was ended, and the column took up its march for the country of the Illyas.

Several of the scouts, sent out two days before, returned during the night, and reported that there was a strong force directly ahead and that the lower villages were also sending up a body of men, but that the latter were still two days away.

Calling Muro, John asked: "What is the nature of the country to the extreme south, or next to the sea?"

"I have never been there, but it is elevated, and is a fine country. One of my men has been there, and he may be able to tell you something about it. I will call him."

The warrior alluded to was tall, handsome and fully tattooed, as was the custom with the most distinguished of the Saboros.

"Can you tell me," asked John, "what the nature of the country is south of the mountains, and near the sea?"

"It is the country of the wise men of the Illyas. They will not allow others to go near there."

"Do you know why?"

"It is said there are wonderful things there."

"Do you know whether there are any big holes in the ground there?"

"Yes; and in some of them they keep their captives."

"Do they sacrifice their captives in those places?"

"No; they take them from those places to the villages."

"At what times do they make the sacrifices?"

"When the night is dark."

John understood from this that the sacrifices were during the period when there was no moon.

"Why do you suppose that they wait for that time?" asked George.

"Because the Great Spirit out of anger has hidden the light and to appease him the sacrifices are offered at that period. This is one of the tales that the wise men give out as the excuse for the ceremony."

John had another motive for these questions, as will appear later on. The main Illyas village was far to the north of the caves mentioned. Besides the main one were three others, all ranging along the western base of the mountain.

"How long will it take us," asked John, "to reach the main village?"

"Osaga knows about that, as he was near there, and was detained for several weeks before he escaped."

"I had forgotten about that." He was, however, at this time, one of the scouts, and when he returned later in the evening, said:

"We can reach there in two days, unless we should be met by the Illyas on the way. I do not think they will retreat without making a show of fight, as they will have all their warriors in the field, when they know we are marching against them."

At the rate they were going, the main force of the enemy would be reached during the day, unless they should retreat. The opinion of both Uraso and Muro was that they would not permit too close approach to the village before offering fight.