The entire route from Unity, and through the Saboro country, was one continual stretch of immense undulating plains, covered at intervals with magnificent forests, and it was evident that the soil was rich and capable of yielding any products in profusion.

The weather, too, was magnificent. Indeed, it was at a time of the year when there were few storms, the moisture being sufficient to support the growing vegetation and keeping it a beautiful green. What a paradise this part of the island would be made, if it could be maintained in peace!

The march was a continued and steady one, the warriors appearing happy and acted as though they were going to a festival, instead of to war. Early in the afternoon the advance scouts reported the first sight of the savages, but only detached bands, which indicated, however, that they were not far away.

Several hours before they had entered the Illyas' country. There was no strict dividing line between the different countries, but it appeared to be tacitly agreed that certain water courses, or other natural lines, marked the territorial limits of each.

These divisions were so little understood, in fact, by either, that they caused frequent disputes. A party from one tribe in hunting would, incautiously, venture too far, and if the other party happened to be near, and in sufficient force, would attack on the plea that the territory had been invaded.

This was a matter which the present campaign would settle, because the Professor saw the necessity of accurately prescribing the limits held by each tribe.

It was five o'clock in the evening before reports came in that the main body of the enemy was in sight. John went forward with Uraso and Muro, fully a mile beyond the main force, and on the way selected a good camping spot, leaving several there to order the main body to encamp when they arrived.

With the scouts now returning, and which were picked up, a fairly adequate idea was obtained as to the number, which was variously estimated at two hundred and fifty, which did not take into consideration the warriors from the other villages, because they now had knowledge of at least one party from the south, on the way to reinforce the Illyas.

John gave strict orders that no one should fire a gun during the night, and that a double line of guards should be maintained. The course pursued during the campaign was as follows: Thirty pickets were selected for the watch, five from each tribe. These formed fifteen posts, two warriors being at each post, and it was arranged that the two should be of different tribes, and as all were in supporting distance of each other, in case of an alarm, one of the two watchers would thus be in a position to quickly alarm the camp.

An advance set of pickets was also thrown out, under the personal command of Muro, to watch the enemies' camp. Fortunately, there was no alarm during the night. Early in the morning the forces were put in line for approaching the Illyas' camp.

When the first advance came within sight of their camp, the utmost consternation and confusion resulted, showing how carefully John had concealed their movements.

Muro's scouts had the fortune to capture one of the Illyas, who was evidently one of the hunters, and the captive was brought in at the time when some of his own men had advanced uncautiously too far.

He was brought before John at once, who addressed him as follows:

"Why have your people started out on the warpath against us?"

"Because you killed our warriors in the last battle."

It is singular how the natives in all their interviews of like nature, always found it convenient to refer to the last and most immediate act as a particular reason for their enmity. In this respect they were veritable children.

They might have been, as they were in this case, the original aggressors, but if an attempt is made to repay them the original cause of the strife is forgotten, and the last act only is considered. John knew it would be of no use to argue the matter with him.

"You may go back to your chief and tell him that we have come to get the captives he has. You must tell him that we have no desire to injure him or his people. Tell him that all the tribes are now united, and that if he does not give up the white people and all others, we will take him and his villages, and give his lands to the other tribes.

"You must further tell him that we must have his answer at once, and if he does not answer by the time the sun is above us (noon), we will consider him our enemy, and shall attack him."

The captive received full instructions from Uraso, who warned him that if he failed to convey this information in the manner given it would go hard with him.

John went forward with the prisoner, and he was released within sight of the Illyas' camp. The enemy was at that time in great commotion, as they were, from all indications, preparing for defense.

They occupied a naturally strong position. The camp was on the western side of a hill and at the bottom was a small stream.

Directly behind the camp was a heavy forest, which, in case of retreat, would afford them shelter. There was a bend in the river, where the camp was located, so that the position was impregnable as against the native weapons.

The Illyas were not counting on meeting a foe armed with guns like the allies possessed. They did not conceive how their enemies could possibly make a sufficient number of guns to count against their numbers and their skill.

In the talks which John had with Uraso he learned the history of this peculiar tribe. Originally the tribe had practical sway over the entire island. They were bitter and vindictive, and this intense feeling was that which acted against them in the end.

The result was that in times past a constant tribal warfare was in evidence among the heads of the leading families. The Kurabus and the Tuolos were originally Illyas, or offshoots from this great tribe. This was also shown by the characteristics of those three tribes, and by their dress as well as language.

John had noticed that the Berees were the whitest people on the island, and that the Osagas and Saboros were much lighter in color than the other tribes. Uraso confirmed Suros' statement to the Professor, that there was white blood in the veins of many of the people of these three tribes, brought about by castaways who had been adopted by the people in earlier times.

The Illyas kept themselves aloof from the others, excepting the Tuolos and Kurabus, and these three tribes were the only ones who still adhered to the custom of offering up captives as sacrifices.



CHAPTER XII

THE PERILOUS TRIP OF THE WAGON

Affairs at Unity were moving along at marvelous speed. Suros, chief of the Berees, announced to the Professor that he did not intend to return to his country, but would send for his family and the families of all his chiefs. This was, indeed, a pleasant surprise for the Professor.

Oma, of the Brabos, was the next to fall into line, and we have already stated that such was Muro's intention. The bringing together of all these interests, to form one common family, was really the intention of the Professor, and it was now being carried out without any suggestion on his part.

Each day brought to the village accessions from some of the tribes, mainly the women and children of those who were employed, or who were with John's forces.

Four days after John's departure the Professor saw one of the Tuolos approaching, carrying an infant, with his wife and two other children. The Professor went out to meet them, calling Will, as he saw they were in a famished condition. It was the native referred to previously, who had begged permission to bring his family to Unity.

Several of the little cottages had been completed, and the surprise of the Tuolo and his wife was complete when he led them to one of these homes, and installed them in it.

Food was brought, and the native cooks ordered to prepare it for them at once. The act so astonished the Tuolo chief, Marmo, that he could not express himself. For a day he sat pondering. The Professor noticed the act, but he said nothing. The next morning Marmo called, and said:

"I can see why the White Chief told me it was well to act so the people would not want another chief."

"But I am not acting in this way so that the people will want to keep me as their chief."

This reply puzzled him.

"But why do you treat my people in this way?"

"Because he is a man just like myself. I have no right to treat him in any other way."

"But he is only a ravoo (common) man."

"Why is he only a common man?"

"Because he is not a warrior, nor were his people warriors before him."

"But he is a man, the same as you and I are. Because he is not a warrior, or was not born of some one who was a warrior, or if he does not belong to the family of a chief, makes no difference to the white man. His children may become chiefs, or great men, and if we show them that they may become like we are, it will make all of them better, and it will not injure us."

This philosophy was too deep for the chieftain. He could not comprehend it, nor could he find words to express his opinions of the new light which it gave him.

"Is that why you teach the people to make so many things?"

"No; that is for an entirely different reason. We teach people to make these things so they may be able to help themselves and make their wives and children happy. We try to teach them that it is wrong to be idle. To let them know that there is a better way to live than by fighting each other or injuring their neighbors."

"But why do you act so kindly to one of my people when we tried to kill you?"

"That makes no difference to us now. You acted that way because you did not know any better. You would not try to injure us now, would you? Do you think that man would be my enemy? When he tells his friends what I have done, will they be my enemy?"

"These things are all so new to me. There will be no more Tuolos, or Osagas, or Berees."

"Yes; there will be the same tribes always. In the white man's country there are still the same tribes in the different countries. They love to think of their own country and their own people, even though they may live with the other tribes, and when a man goes from one tribe to live with another, the people protect him just the same as though he was one of them."

The Professor was not yet through with his lesson, and suggested that Marmo should accompany him. They wandered through the town, and called at the cottage of the newly arrived Tuolo. The children were playing about, and the wife was supremely happy, but awed when the Professor and chief appeared.

The Professor took up the little one and affectionately caressed it, to the astonishment of the mother. She knew the Chief Marmo would not condescend to such an act; but to think that the Great White Chief should do such a thing was something beyond her comprehension.

Marmo looked on in amazement. It was another thing which was unlike any teaching or belief that he had ever known, that it made a powerful impression on him.

This is but one incident in the history of the village which tended to instill in the minds of the people, the cardinal duty of man to man. It was a practical example, and the knowledge of it went from family to family. It became one of the topics of conversation among the men. Equal and exact justice was meted out to each, irrespective of what their tribal relations might be.

In the absence of Harry and George, Ralph and Jim had charge of the factory, and were busy each day turning out plows and other agricultural implements. At the suggestion of the Professor, eight more of the steers had been trained to work, and he gathered together a dozen of the best men, and gave instructions to secure as many of the yaks as could be found.

He offered certain sums for this purpose. It was known that, to the west, and north of the great forest, were large herds running wild. The proposal stirred them to activity. The party prepared for the hunt, and in this were assisted by Blakely, who gave them many timely hints as to the best method to lasso them.

The first expedition started the day after John left, and within a week the first installment of ten animals arrived, and they had returned for more. These were tamed and broken to work. The scenes about the town were assuming the proportions of a vast beehive of the most earnest and enthusiastic workers that it was possible to imagine.

Fields were now laid out, and certain money offers made for the production of seeds of various kinds. Coffee-tree shoots, nutmeg plants, cocoa cuttings, and many other like species of vegetation were apportioned to the newly plowed fields.

Every kind of vegetable known to the island, and which now grew in a wild, but scattered, state, was sought for, and distributed in small patches over the plowed area. Fruit trees were set out, and these latter, with a view to make them the home sites which were to be the next lines to be developed.

It will thus be seen that there was enough to tax the energies of Blakely and the Professor, to keep the laborers employed, and prevent any drones from getting into the hive.

When the captive Illyas which John had sent with the ultimatum did not return, nor did the enemy show any symptoms of complying when the sun neared midday, it was concluded that the only plan to pursue would be a quick and a sharp assault.

The moment the sun reached its height, John ordered Muro to take one hundred of the men by a detour to the right, and Uraso with a like number to the left.

"Cross the stream and close up behind them in the woods. I will make the attack, and you remain at a distance. If they should attempt to retreat I will follow them up rapidly. We must, if possible, force their surrender."

The two forces were off promptly, and within a half hour John judged that they must be in position. The Illyas were still on the hill in force, apparently not suspecting that two flanking columns were in their rear.

As John gave the order to march forward there was the crack of a half dozen guns to their right, in the position occupied by Muro's force. This startled the Illyas, as it did John. The latter interpreted this at once. It was, undoubtedly, a reinforcing band which Muro had intercepted.

This was indeed the case. The knowledge of this force coming to their assistance, was probably the reason why the Illyas were so defiant. Muro, at the head of fifty of his men, charged the band, to prevent them from uniting, but at the same time it brought down on him a large portion of the Illyas. Uraso, suspecting the truth, and knowing that the excited movement of the Illyas indicated a rush to assist, broke through the woods and thus struck them on their left flank, which so surprised them that they broke in confusion and, fled before John and the main body could come up.

The entire Illyas force was now in confusion. John was in possession of their camp, and Uraso's warriors were hurrying through the dense woods, so that between the three forces, a number were captured in the effort to escape to the east and south.

Within an hour, not an Illyas was in sight, except those captured, but the main force, unfortunately, escaped. The wagons were brought up, and now came the problem, how to get them through the forest, without making too much of a detour.

Uraso suggested that Stut should take a sufficient number of warriors to afford protection, and descend the stream to a point below where the country was clearer, and then trail to the east and meet the main column five miles west of the main village.

The pursuers, under the leadership of John, followed the trails of the disorganized Illyas, in the hope that they would be able to be close on their heels when they emerged from the forest four miles beyond.

They found this forest maze the most remarkable of any wooded area on the island. The trees were not only immense, but the undergrowth exceedingly dense. It is not often the case that the two growths are found together, and it would have been impossible to get the wagons through the mass.

This forest was in reality the great barrier, which kept the Illyas in such a protected position against the inroads of the other tribes, even though they should have combined, and they counted on this bulwark to protect them in the present case.

It took the pursuing force over three hours to push its way through, and they had the satisfaction of seeing the main body of the Illyas beyond, and brought together in a compact organization. As soon as the opening was reached, they halted for the noon meal, and instructions were given to follow up as hurriedly as possible.

"We should move our force to the south, and attack them from that side," said John, "for the reason that their only hope of reinforcements is from that quarter."

The villages were lying along the base of the mountain range, the general altitude of the great plain being fully two hundred feet higher than the other level portions of the island. The mountains to the east, while not high as mountains go, were by far the greatest of any on the island, and John was anxious to know their character, for reasons heretofore explained.

In two hours more they would reach the vicinity of the main village, and the great struggle for the mastery would begin. In the distance could be seen the main portion of the town, and it was far more imposing than any other in the island. There was more or less a mystery about the place.

Uraso said: "The place we are now going to is the oldest village in the country. Many, many years ago it was a great village, and had big houses. They were built by some people that no one knows, but they were not built to live in."

"Do you know what they are like?" asked John.

"Nobody can tell, because they do not keep captives there, and only take them to that place for the sacrifices."

"How do you know that the place has the wonderful buildings you speak of?"

"This was learned from the only captive who ever escaped from them at the place. I was kept at the village to the north, and it was from that place I escaped."

As the village was neared the sight of the buildings astonished John. While not massive, they were of a type entirely distinct from the native huts. It was built on an elevated plateau and amidst most magnificent trees, the most prominent of which were the great redwoods.

Some little indications of ground cultivation were found, as they passed the deserted huts on their way. Small patches of yam and cassava were the principal vegetables noticed.

It was nearly four o'clock before they crossed a stream of water, flowing to the south, and beyond which a good glimpse of the village could be seen. John surveyed the scene and was astonished at the character of the spot, since it had evidently been chosen by design, and for some particular reason.

Its location at an altitude which commanded a view to the north and south, and also afforded a view to the west, betokened some reason not compatible with the savage idea of a town. All villages thus far found were close to streams, and were located apparently by chance, but here was a town which was more like a civilized place, since it was so located that it afforded the finest opportunity for drainage.

But another surprise was in store for John. "What are those peculiarly formed hills which run to the right and left?" he asked.

Muro had noticed them, but was unable to answer.

"I have heard," said Uraso, "that they have earth-houses to protect the town, but I do not know how they are made."

This information was sufficient to inform John that the town was actually provided with a chain of defensive works, and this greatly added to his astonishment.

"We are certainly getting at the heart of this mystery," he said, musingly, as Muro came up. The latter informed him that they had captured two Illyas who were making their way to the village from the south, and within ten minutes they were brought before him.

John questioned them, but they refused to impart any information. The direction from which they had come occasioned some uneasiness because the wagons were en route from that quarter, and they might be runners to the main village for the purpose of informing the chief of the fact, or, they might be from one of the villages announcing reinforcements.

As night approached, and no word was had from the force with the wagon, John directed Muro to take twenty-five of the best men, and go directly south in search of the convoy.

George and Harry accompanied the teams, and when they left the main column the forest was skirted in their trip southwardly. It was known that the forest was less dense in that direction, and after traveling thus for nearly four hours, the men delegated to beat the forest to the east, announced that they might safely turn to the east, which meant two hours more of struggling through a country which, without the warriors to aid them, would have been impossible.

Most of the men were ahead of the team with their bolos, cutting down and dragging away the trees and bushes, and thus forming a trail which would allow the wagons to pass. It was past six in the evening when the river was reached.

In order to gain as much time as possible, Stut and the boys concluded to push across, and move northwardly along the eastern bank, as it was evident the eastern shore afforded the best route.

Before the plan could be put into execution a body of Illyas appeared in force before them. They hastily drew back, and after consulting, concluded to proceed north along the western bank.

They had not proceeded a quarter of a mile before they ran into an ambush of Illyas, and two men were struck by arrows. Stut gave the order to fire, and the bush was cleared. Immediately a force appeared in their rear, but Stut advised an advance, as such a course would bring them closer to relief.

Another mile was traversed, but the first lesson was heeded, and the enemy did not come close enough to enable the gunmen to get an opportunity to shoot. But now an unforeseen obstacle presented itself. They had been marching along the more or less elevated bank of the stream, and directly in their path was a stream flowing into the main one, with steep and rocky sides, so precipitous that it would be impossible for the wagons to cross them, heavily laden as they were.

The Illyas appeared in force behind them, and apparently none were to the front, thus indicating that they did not believe the wagons could cross, and in this they were right. It was growing dark. Harry suggested that they make camp and arrange for protection during the night.

This was done, the two wagons being placed thirty feet apart, and the fort sections were used to connect the rear ends of the wagons, so that a U-shaped fort was thus provided, the open end of the fort being toward the river, which was the side they had no fear of, so far as the savages were concerned.

While these preparations were going on no attempt was made to attack them. "They are either waiting for morning, or for reinforcements," was Stut's comment.

"Do you think it would be possible to get a messenger through to John?" asked George.

"Yes; but it would be better to send two."

"We can easily spare them," responded Harry, "and you had better select them at once."

Two intelligent warriors, one a Saboro, well known to Stut, and an Osaga, were delegated to run the risk, and they started to the north along the river.

The night was intensely dark, but notwithstanding this Muro pushed forward to the south, and the utmost speed, under those conditions, was not more than a mile or mile and a half an hour.

It was known that reinforcements were on the way from the south. They might meet such a force, and the utmost caution was necessary. It was fortunate that the two messengers from Stut heard Muro's warriors, and for the purpose of determining who they were, approached closely, and made themselves known.

This intelligence was sufficient for Muro to act. The scouts guided them back, and as it was beginning to grow light the cracks of several guns were sufficient to indicate the direction of the wagons, and the fact that the attack had begun.

Muro was a tactician. The scouts stated the situation, with the impassible ravine to the north, and the attackers to the south of their position. His force was on the eastern side of the river, and moving back a sufficient distance to prevent knowledge of his presence from reaching the Illyas, went to the south, and crossed the river in their rear.

The attack of the savages was in force against the wagon, and the spirited cracks of the guns showed Muro that he must make haste if he would have a part in it.

Harry and George were seasoned fighters, but in this case they were entirely in the dark as to the numbers which opposed them. This lack of knowledge was the only thing which gave them any concern. They knew that sooner or later John would rescue them in force. The problem was to resist and gain time.

The Illyas had heretofore proven themselves wonderful fighters and remarkably tenacious. This attack was a more determined one than they had ever witnessed. There was no cessation in their forward advance, and they were most skillful in seeking cover.

The boys looked at each other, but neither spoke his fears, if he had any; to say the least, it was the most businesslike of anything which they had witnessed.

Suddenly, they heard the noise of a volley behind the Illyas, and the latter made a concerted rush for the underbrush to the west, as Muro, with his men, sprang forward through the clearing; and the boys, with Stut, sprang from the wagon and started the cheering, followed by the warriors.

Muro rushed up and embraced Stut and the boys. A hurried breakfast was prepared, and the fort sections replaced. There was no time to lose. They must get back to John and be prepared to take part in the capture of the great village of the Illyas.



CHAPTER XIII

THE REMARKABLE DISCOVERY AT BLAKELY'S MOUNTAIN HOME

It was the custom of the Professor to take the boys each week for an outing in some direction from Unity. The most attractive part was toward the great forest, west of the large river. Several boats had been made, which were used principally for fishing, and one of these was usually taken. They would then sail down the little branch stream, on which the town was located, and cross the large river.

During the entire time they were at the village Blakely had not gone across the river, although he frequently indicated a desire to do so, particularly to look up the location of the home on the hill at the forest's edge, where he found seclusion from the savages for nearly nine months.

The Professor and the boys insisted on his accompanying them on this occasion, and having given instructions to the men, they manned the large boat and were soon on the western shore of the river.

The large quantity of driftwood, which was in evidence here, as elsewhere, attracted the attention of Jim, as he turned to the Professor.

"I have often wondered why it is that there is so much driftwood on the western shore of this stream, and hardly any on the eastern shore."

Blakely, his attention having been drawn to it, remarked that he had found this to be the case in a number of streams, not only on the island, but elsewhere.

"That is a singular thing," replied the Professor. "It is accounted for by the rotation of the earth, which is from west to east. The rotation of the earth in that direction also accounts for the prevailing trade winds which are from the east to the west."

"In what way should the rotation of the earth cause the drift to move westwardly?"

"There are two forces which act on a free object on the surface of the earth, namely, centrifugal and centripetal. The first named is that action which tends to throw an object outwardly, like dirt flying out from a rapidly moving wheel; and the latter action is that which draws inwardly. Thus the spokes might be likened to centripetal force. The attraction of gravitation in the earth is the centripetal force, and its rotation produces the centrifugal force. When an object, like a plumb bob, or an article floating on the water is free to move, it is found to lag behind the movement of the earth surface, this retarding movement being sufficient to cause it to creep to the west, with the result you have noticed."

The hill pointed out by Blakely was fully three miles west of the river. The four boys, Ralph, Tom, Jim and Will, with Blakely and the Professor, all armed with guns, made a party strong enough to enable them to successfully withstand the attack of any animal, and it was proposed to make a trip through a portion of the forest, so as to get some idea of its character.

To carry out this plan, their course was directed to the west, and within an hour and a half were well in the thick of the wood. The first thing that attracted the attention of all were the magnificent trees, among them a species of pitch pine, together with immense redwood trees, and numerous oak species abounded.

Before they had penetrated a mile the first animals were seen. They had never been hunted, as the natives kept away from the forest fastnesses, and it was singular to see the familiarity of the animals. An immense panther, or tree leopard, fascinated the boys, and they maneuvered to get close enough for a shot. He was very wary, however, and Blakely and the Professor kept in the background while the boys stalked him from tree to tree, and finally Ralph had him in range and fired.

He crashed down but alighted on his feet, and without waiting for any explanations bounded over to the spot where Ralph and Will were crouched behind a fallen tree. Will saw the movement and called to Jim and Tom, and the latter, taking careful aim, fired, without, apparently, checking the animal.

With a powerful spring he landed on the tree, not five feet from the boys, and Jim shot the moment he landed, the shot taking effect in the left eye, and he dropped his head and lay still, hanging over the fallen tree.

This was exciting, while it lasted, and gave them something to talk about for the rest of the day. Blakely dragged the animal down, and Ralph and Will, trembling as they were, had their knives out when Blakely commenced to skin the panther. It was a fine trophy, made doubly valuable, as it had been their first attempt to secure big game.



The boys regretted that Angel had not accompanied them, as they saw numerous orang-outan; and here for the first time they came across whole tribes of monkeys, particularly the marmoset, an interesting little creature. The most striking ones were the proboscis monkey, the face being not unlike that of an old man with an extremely long nose, with whiskers around the neck.

Blakely and the Professor made many notes of the trees, and discussed the uses to which they might be put, and the boys had their eyes open for the wonderful display of animal life on all sides.

It was fully two o'clock before their steps were turned toward the north, so that the hill could be reached, and when they emerged from the forest, Blakely pointed out the spot and the best way to reach it. The boys went forward with a rush, and mounted the hill, but while they searched in every direction could not locate the rocky recess occupied by Blakely.



The latter came up smiling. "I told the Professor you would have some trouble in finding it. Look directly above you."

About twenty feet from where they stood was a projecting rock, and to the left of it another, extending out at right angles.

"But how are we going to reach it?" asked Ralph.

"Go around farther to the right, and you will find a vine. I used that as a ladder."

Around to the right the boys scampered, each trying to get there first. There was no vine in sight. Blakely was coming up, as the boys turned back, disappointed.

"Not there?" he inquired. "It ran up this tree. What is this? Some one has cut it off and dragged it up to the shelf above; do you see it there?" and Blakely pointed to the vine stump, hidden by the grass and weeds.

The boys saw the plain evidence of the cuts.

"This is decidedly interesting," exclaimed Blakely, as he turned to the Professor. "This was done since I was here."

The only way to reach the ledge was to climb the tree and try to drag the vine from the ledge, and Ralph volunteered to do this.

It was not much of a task, and when the vine had been drawn down he moved out on the limb and easily stepped on the ledge of the nearest rock, and then drew over the vine so the boys could readily reach the main ledge.

Blakely was the last to gain the top, and he led the way around the first projecting rock. The view from this point was a charming one.

"Look to the east," cried Ralph; "see Unity beyond; isn't this fine?"

The boys now understood why this was a desirable place for Blakely. It appeared to be absolutely safe from either animals or man.

"How did you ever happen to find this place?" asked Tom.

"Simply by accident—the fact is, I stumbled on it. I mean that literally. You see there is only one point higher than this. That is directly above this ledge. I went up the hill from the forest side, and came out to the point, and, missing my footing, fell down to this ledge, and discovered that the only way I could get out was by the vine ladder."

"What is that?" exclaimed Will, springing back, and pointing to an object in front.

Blakely started forward like a shot, and moved around the main point from which Will came. The boys followed. Directly ahead, and on the ledge in front of the recess were two skeletons. The boys were shocked at the sight, and the Professor stopped and intently examined them.

"Some one made this his home after I left it, that is sure. Here are things I never saw."

"Was this your gun?" asked Jim, as he picked up a rusty weapon.

"Yes," replied Blakely, in great excitement. "But how did it get here? I had it with me when I was captured the first time."

He looked at the Professor in amazement, and then began a minute search of the articles scattered about, and lying in the little coves within the main recess. Here were found a sextant, several knives, some coins, a bunch of keys, a package of letters, written in German, a revolver, but no ammunition, various articles of clothing, all in the last stages of decay and eaten with holes by insects.

But the condition of the skeletons caused the greatest speculation. They were lying near together, and there was no indication of a struggle between them. One was lying with the head resting on a mass of molding leaves, and this was drawn aside and examined.



Here was the first real clue. A bit of paper, evidently a page from a scrap book, which showed faint traces of writing. Parts were entirely eaten away, and after a time the following words were deciphered:

"Escaped during the night miles wes tains lyas have Rogers right faithful (Signed) roman"

The German letters contained no information, excepting the name "Johan," to which they were addressed, and were signed, "Matilda," all dated during the year 1911.

"One of these men was a white or Caucasian, and the other was, undoubtedly, an aborigine, as the skull formation clearly indicates. I am satisfied that this one was a native," remarked the Professor, after he had made an extended examination.

"This letter may be an interesting one to decipher," said Blakely, as he went over the contents again and again. "It seems to me that the part of the word 'lyas' has reference to the 'Illyas,' and 'tains' is part of the word 'mountains.' Probably, it would read, if properly reconstructed, 'west of the mountains.'"

"Yes, and the space between 'night' and 'miles' refers to the number of miles," added Ralph.

"It is remarkable that we should find evidences, of the work of the Illyas at the extreme western part of the island, when they are living near the eastern border," remarked the Professor.

"I take it," answered Blakely, "that this letter was transmitted to the man here, and was written by some one, and conveyed, in all probability, by this native."

"That is a reasonable supposition. The word 'faithful' may have reference to him," responded the Professor, after some reflection.

"Well, we can do no more than give them a decent burial," said Blakely.

"It will be a difficult task to do that, as we have no tools, and it would be necessary to carry the bones a distance in order to inter them. If the boys will gather up a quantity of stones we can make a covering for them against the wall, within one of the coves."

This suggestion was carried out, and the bones deposited beneath a mound, and after gathering up the various articles they descended the vine ladder and made a hurried trip to the river.

Unity was reached as it was growing dark to learn that two messengers from John had reached them during their absence, detailing the sighting of the Illyas' village, which was estimated to be five miles west of the mountains.

It was singular how this information seemed to supply the missing word in the mysterious message found with the skeleton on the hill. The Professor at once made a copy of the letter, and forwarded it by messenger to John. In the letter he detailed the information of the finding of the message, and he had hopes that they might be able to find some traces of the people mentioned in the letter.

While awaiting the return of Muro, John made a complete examination of the Illyas' village, encircling it to get its full position, and thus enable him to devise the best mode to attack, if it should be found necessary to do so.

He was astounded to note the character of the buildings. They had been the work of white men, it was evident.

Muro, with the boys, and the wagons came in sight before ten o'clock, to the intense relief of John. He suspected the cause of the delay.

"We had a lively brush with them, for a while," said Harry, "but we had no fear at any time."

"Harry is right about that, but I want to tell you we have a different class of fighters to deal with than anything we have experienced so far," added George. "Why our fire didn't seem to frighten them a bit, and they adopted the regular Indian plan of getting behind trees and brush."

"What kind of a town is that!" asked Harry, as he took the first glimpse of the place through the trees.

"Something different in that line, too, as well as in the fighting," answered John, as he smiled at the question.

"How big a town is it?" asked George.

"I judge, from its size, that there must be fully a thousand natives there, but they are keeping pretty close. Do you see the line of breastworks all around the place!"

The boys were astonished at what they saw. No wonder the other tribes hesitated to attack them.

The two warriors captured by Muro were brought before John, after he had made a survey of the place, and by the aid of Uraso one of them was instructed to carry information as to their intention to the Illyas.

This was to the effect that in the event no reply was received before noon no other effort would be made to open communications. It was distinctly impressed on the warrior that the Illyas must give up all the captives, and that an agreement must be entered into by them not to leave their own boundaries in the future, and John also offered protection and a safe return of any messenger who might be sent back with the answer.

The captive was released, and, bounding forward, was soon within the line of earthworks which surrounded the village. The message gave a full two hours for them to decide. There was not a sign of an Illyas until near the time limit, when the same one which conveyed their message was noticed approaching the line of the allies.

He came directly to John, and conveyed this information:

"The chiefs do not intend to do as the White Chief says. They are entitled to the captives, and intend to keep them. If the village is attacked the white chiefs and the tribes will be destroyed. We do not fear him and his fire weapons."

John motioned to the warrior to depart. For a moment he looked at John in amazement. Judging the actions of the white man by the ethics of the savage, such a message would have meant his death. He glanced around stealthily.

Uraso saw why he hesitated, and remarked to him: "You are free to go. No one will injure you, because the White Chief has given his word to protect you. He is not like the Illyas. He does not lie."



CHAPTER XIV

THE SURPRISE AND CAPTURE OF THE ILLYAS' STRONGHOLD

John smiled, as he saw with what satisfaction Uraso gave him this parting shot. Still he hesitated.

Uraso went up to him, and he started back. "You need not fear me because we will keep our word. Say to your chiefs that Uraso tells them they are fools. The Illyas cannot succeed. They will be crushed and their villages taken. Your village is surrounded, and you cannot get aid from your other villages. Go and tell them that we shall not again ask them to treat with us."

This address assured him and he first marched along carefully, and soon made his way with celerity to the village. The Illyas were, unquestionably, as much surprised as the messenger at the treatment he had received. It was so unlike all former experiences.

During John's investigations he had discovered that the approach to the village on the east side offered the best chance for a rush, as the character of the ground was better suited to go up close to the line of works, and from that point a better view was obtained of the interior of the village.

A movement during the daytime would disclose his motives, and he therefore advised Uraso and Muro of his plans, and suggested that as they would be able to mass the troops better during the night, the attack should be delayed until early morning.

"During the day we will make a great show of putting up a line of works to deceive them into the idea that we intend to attack from this side. During the early morning we will take three-fourths of the force and steal around to the east, and attack them with a rush."

"But suppose they rush out in this direction?" asked Muro.

"We must keep a sufficient force here to hold them in check, and, if necessary, to rush in from this quarter; and I would like to have you hold the ones left for that purpose."

Muro was delighted at the position assigned him, and thought he saw the slightest bit of feeling on the part of Uraso; but this was soon quelled when John took Uraso aside and said: "I want you with me, as you know how to handle and direct the men."

"I have no right to feel offended because you have given Muro this post. He is the best man."

"He is no better than you, but you are better than he for the position required when the charge is made."

This was, really, true. John knew the capacities of each. Muro was a better tactician, but Uraso had a much better hold on the affections of the warriors, and he was a fearless and intrepid fighter.

The boys could not help admiring the fine situation of the village, and the imposing appearance of the town.

"See that building facing this way? It has pillars different from the building to the left. Why do you suppose they made them unlike?" was George's query, as they sat in the wagon with John during the afternoon waiting for night to come.

"I suppose they wanted to put in the different kinds of architecture, simply as a freak, or for some other purpose that I have not yet settled in my mind. If I am not mistaken there are at least three different orders of architecture represented in the buildings. On the other side of the town you can see another building, somewhat smaller than the one to the left, which has still different columns."

"I imagine the one fronting us is the main building. What order does that belong to?"

"That is a Doric front. It had its origin in the log hut, which was called Dorus."

"How many kinds of architecture are there?"

"There are five distinct orders, as they are called."

"What are those besides the Doric?"

"The Ionic, the Corinthian, the Tuscan and the Composite."

"What is that building to the left?"

"That is distinctly Ionic."

"I don't see much difference from the Doric," remarked Harry.

"The distinction is very marked. The Ionic is proportioned to the dimensions of a man, and has the delicacy of the human figure."

"Yes; I can see that now. Has the proportion anything to do with the order?"

"The Tuscan is distinguished by the fact that the column is usually made seven times the diameter of the lower part of the shaft in height."

"But I notice that the ones shown in the two buildings don't appear to be very much different in proportions."

"No, for the reason that the distinctive features between the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian pertain to the capitals. Notice how exceedingly simple the Doric is. I am sorry there are not other examples present, but I shall make some sketches to show the differences which are marked."

"I have heard more about the Corinthian than any other kind."

"That order is the most beautiful of all, and for that reason is so frequently referred to by writers. It is designed to represent the delicacy of a young girl. The capital is the most ornamental of all the orders, and it is also larger and much more showy."

"But you have not yet described the Composite."

"The Composite or Roman, is the Ionic grafted on the Corinthian. From this you will see that not only the general form, but also the proportion and the ornamentation, go to make up the various orders. To illustrate: The Ionic has, as one feature, two scroll-like ornaments, called volutes, and it has more moldings and is much more slender than the Doric. To make the Composite there is borrowed the quarter round molding (A) from the Tuscan; the leaves (B) from the Corinthian, and the volutes (C) from the Ionic."



During the night all preparations were made for a quick transfer of the main force to the east. Works were thrown up very ostentatiously during the afternoon, in their position on the west of the village, and it was obvious to the trained eye of John, who was constantly observing the movement in the village, that they were bringing the warriors to the side facing these preparations.

John, together with Muro and Uraso, crept up close to the line of breastworks, during the night, and satisfied themselves the Illyas were deceived as to the point of attack.

Shortly before four in the morning the warriors marched out, making a wide detour to the right, and within an hour were close to the east line, and carefully concealed. The plan was for the men under Muro to commence the attack, as soon as it was light enough to see plainly, and the firing of four guns was to be the order for the rush on the part of the main force.

All awaited the signal with impatience. Soon the firing was heard, and instantaneously, as though expecting it, the Illyas were seen rushing through the village to the western line.

John gave the word. To approach close to the breastworks without firing a gun, and not to discharge a single piece until they were well within the fortified line.

The entire force moved forward at the shots. The line of entrenchments was reached, and John, with Uraso by his side, was the first to leap over. They halted fifty feet beyond the ridge, to allow the warriors to come in and form the line, those having the guns in front.

With a shout, the allies bounded forward, withholding their fire until the command should be given. The Illyas up to this time were principally arranged along the western wall, discharging their arrows at the force under Muro.

The appearance of the allies within the walls was such a terrible surprise that all semblance of order was lost in their ranks. They began to scatter. Uraso shouted out in stentorian tones:

"Throw down your arms, or we will fire. Surrender and you will not be killed."

John and the front line were now alongside of the second building, the one described by him as having the columns of the Ionic order, which had interested the boys so much.

Notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, Harry could not help looking at the building with its tawdry and crumbling columns, and in doing so espied a half dozen peculiarly garbed Illyas rushing out and attempting to escape to the north along the narrow street.

Calling a dozen warriors, he, with George, made a rush after the escaping fugitives, and before the limit of the village was reached they were surrounded and carried back.

The Illyas warriors were now in a panic. There seemed to be no one to order a surrender or a retreat. John ordered Uraso to have his men spread out to prevent escape in either direction, and as he turned to execute the order, Harry and George returned with the prisoners.

At the sight of the captives Uraso shouted the order to his men, and quickly turning to John, who was slightly in the advance, cried out: "Here are the chief and his principal advisers."

John turned to look and noticed that they were surrounded by the men in charge of Harry and George.

"Good work," he said. "Demand that he tell his men to surrender." And Uraso repeated the message.

The chief saw the situation, but refused to give the order.

"Then we shall have to kill them, and unless you surrender we shall attack at once."

He had hardly finished the words when Muro, seeing the condition of affairs, left their fortress, and rushing forward scaled the low entrenchments, directing a volley into the now thoroughly disorganized and excited warriors. The entire body of Illyas had seen the capture of their chiefs.

The appearance of the chiefs at the head of the column commanded by John made his position safe from attack. Whether the chief refused to comply with Uraso's demand from stubbornness, or because he was paralyzed at the sudden changes from his fancied security, was not apparent at the time.

The warriors now advanced with guns ready for a volley, and the chief saw that resistance was useless. He held up his hand as a signal. John rushed forward toward the oncoming warriors led by Muro, and the latter, seeing the chief in the hands of Uraso, ordered his men to halt.

Meanwhile the forces under Uraso had spread out and were approaching the halting warriors, who, one by one, threw down their bows, and, as they did so, were marched to the open central part of the village and surrounded by the men led by Muro on one side and Uraso on the other. John rushed back to the cordon surrounding the chiefs.

Up to this time not the sign of a woman or a child had been seen. But when order was finally restored and the defenseless warriors were herded together as compactly as possible, the huts surrounding the main buildings were opened, as by magic, and the women poured forth wailing and shrieking.

It was bedlam let loose. They pictured all the terrors of captivity. They knew what it meant. They passed around the cordon beating their breasts, and shrieking like demoniacs. John, motioning to Muro and Uraso, stepped aside, and ordered the chiefs to follow.

"This is the building they came out of," said George quietly to John.

"Then it will be a good place to hold the conference. Uraso, instruct your men not to allow anyone to leave his place within the circle, and then attend the conference with us."

The guards followed John as he entered the building. The boys were eager to see the interior. Once within they saw a dozen women and twice that number of children huddled together in one of the rooms. The entrance from the main door in front led directly into a hall, and at the rear end of the hall was a large room the entire width of the building.

Several smaller rooms were on each side of the hall. It was, to all appearance, arranged like an American or European dwelling, the entire interior being finished in wood, but in a terribly dilapidated condition.

The surprise was still greater when they found in the interior of the great room a number of articles of furniture, such as chairs, tables, settees, and articles which, in their younger days, might have been rugs. Parts of bedsteads were littered around, broken articles of furniture were scattered here and there, and everywhere the place was lavish with dirt.

The boys had seen many native places where filth had accumulated, but the atmosphere seemed to fairly reek. It appeared so to the boys, who had lived so much in the open, and who had such vivid imaginations that the wrecked condition of the interior suggested a worse atmosphere than there really was.

It was not close or confined, that was certain; for the places which once, evidently, had windows, did not contain even the suggestion of glass. It was one mass of broken, misplaced, jumbled up belongings, that would require the rebus manager of a magazine to assemble in order.

When Uraso returned, and the chiefs were placed before them, the boys had an opportunity to study the famous chief of the Illyas. They took occasion to compare him with the others, for the boys now knew all of them.

He was a man, probably sixty years of age, with the most curious headdress, which was worked to imitate, somewhat, the crown, to which his position entitled him. He wore a brightly colored mantle, if it could be called such, for it was simply thrown over one shoulder, and its pendant ends were bound to the waist by a wide girdle.

He wore short trousers, or pantalets, and Harry could hardly keep from laughing, as George suggested that he was ultra-English in the way his trousers were rolled up. He had the face of a man of authority. His every action and look betokened one who knew his authority, and the first question, together with the imperious manner of uttering it, indicated that he was a king, and he knew it.

He looked at Uraso and Muro, both chiefs, and equal to him in rank. He did it with such an imperious air as plainly indicated that he considered them his inferiors. Uraso and Muro stood there, with arms folded, dignified, and returned his gaze with a dignity that won the admiration of the boys.

"I wonder how Uraso and Muro feel now, when they have that old devil at their mercy?" George whispered to Harry.

When the circle had been arranged the chief, Oroto, addressed John in this terse manner:

"What do you want?"

The question came like a shot. It was the first word he had said. Neither of the others had asked for information, nor had they deigned to notice him, as they were marching to the council chamber. This neglect on the part of Muro and Uraso may have nettled him. The attitude of the chiefs plainly irritated him.

It is well known that people of this kind are very sensitive to slights, or what they consider so. It is just as likely that the two chiefs purposely neglected him in that manner to make the humiliation the more complete.



CHAPTER XV

THE RESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES

The question for the moment nettled John. Here was a prisoner, powerless in his hands, imperiously demanding of his captors what they wanted. It may not have occurred to him that such a question was out of place.

John drew himself up, and with that piercing glance which he could give, leaned forward, and slowly, but with terrible emphasis, answered: "Nothing."

It was now the chief's turn to show a look of surprise. He looked at John, and his eyes wandered to Uraso and Muro. Neither indicated the slightest curiosity at the answer. Not another word was said as John kept his eye on the chief.

Then seeing that he had a different kind of creature to deal with than any he had heretofore met, addressed John in an entirely different tone of voice:

"Why have you captured me and my warriors, and why do you intend to destroy my village and take my women and children?"

"Because that is what you have been doing all your life. We do not ask you to give us anything. We have taken everything you have and shall not ask you for permission in anything we do. We have no desire to injure you or your people, and whether we shall do so will depend on your action. If you will give us certain information it may make it easier for you, but if you do not tell us it will go hard with you."

"I am ready to listen."

"Did you receive the messenger I sent you three days ago?"

"Yes."

"What did he tell you?"

"That you intended to kill me and my people."

"Did he not tell you that we did not want war, but peace, but that you must give up the captives you had?"

"No."

"Send out for that warrior," John ordered, as he glanced at Oroto.

Muro accompanied one of the sub-chiefs, and in a few moments returned with him. He came in with face hanging down.

He was placed before John. "Why did you lie to the chief?"

The savage was mute. He cast an appealing glance at his chief, but the latter did not notice him.

Addressing Uraso, John said: "Take this man out and beat him. He must be punished for lying."

George called in several of the warriors, who were instructed to carry out the decree. In the meantime Uraso called John aside, and stated that the poor fellow had undoubtedly told the truth, but the chief had lied.

"I suspected that," answered John. "I do not want the man beaten, so that you may go and stop the execution of it, but do not let the chief know that the order was not carried out."

"Did you get a second message from me yesterday through one of your own warriors?"

"Yes."

"What did he tell you?"

"He said that you had declared war against me and my people and would kill all of us and take our women and children into captivity."

"Did he not tell you that we came to make terms of friendship, and that all we wanted was the captives which you wrongfully held?"

"No."

"Bring in that warrior."

Uraso went out with one of the sub-chiefs, and when he appeared addressed him sharply:

"Why did you lie to your chief, and not tell him what I told you? Answer me."

The chief merely glanced at the wretch, and the latter bowed his head. The question was repeated, and he was told that he would be protected against the fury of his chief if he would tell the truth. As he was about to reply the chief merely glanced at him, and his lips were sealed.

"Take him out and beat him as severely as you have beaten the other. These people must be taught to learn that they should not lie."

Uraso understood John's look, and acted accordingly. He was taken out, but was not beaten.

Turning to the chief, and acting on the information imparted by Uraso, he startled Oroto by the following question:

"Why did you lie to me and allow your warriors to be beaten?"

The question stunned him for a moment. John did not permit him time to frame an excuse.

"You lied to me when you stated that they had told you the things you said, and I know it. You are deserving of the same punishment as those who were wrongfully beaten. Take him out and see that he is punished as he deserves."

This judgment against the august one was like a death pall on the ears of the sub-chiefs. The chief trembled; his footsteps, theretofore so supple, were trembling, and he held out his hands for support.

The enormity of this punishment to a chief by whipping is the most disgraceful thing that can happen. The person of a chief must not be defiled by a rod, which is intended only for children and for offenses committed by the unruly members of a tribe.

The procession filed out, and John hurriedly called Uraso and Muro to his side, explaining in a whisper that they should intercede to prevent the punishment.

The excitement of the surrounded warriors was intense, as the word was circulated that their great chief had judgment pronounced against him, and was to be publicly whipped.

As they were proceeding across the open space, Uraso and Muro, in well simulated tones, begged that John should forego the punishment, but he refused to comply until they had reached the place selected.

John advanced to him and said: "Your friends, Muro and Saboro, have begged me not to inflict the punishment for lying; I have decided not to do so at this time, as I am guided by their judgment, and I know they are wise. Instead, you and your chiefs must come with me and see the Great White Chief, and he may order that you shall not be punished."

This statement that he was not the Great White Chief was another piece of news that he could not understand.

"And now, I want to know where you have the captives?"

He hesitated. He looked at Muro and Uraso in a different manner this time. Uraso quietly spoke to him: "You cannot escape the vigilance of the white man. The wonderful fire guns can kill all of your people. You do not know what you are doing in trying to resist him. If you do not tell him he will find them, and then I cannot plead for you."

The chief, turning to one of the sub-chiefs, said: "Sama will take you to them."

The boys jumped as they learned the import of these words. They looked at John. The latter turned to the chief and said:

"How far are they from this place?"

The distance was indicated by signs, which Uraso interpreted to mean two hours.

"Bring in the wagons at once, and unload one of them; then take the other, with twenty-five men well armed, and carry Sama with you. The poor fellows are not, probably, in a condition to walk." Then, again turning to the chief, he asked: "How many prisoners have you?"

He held up his hand with fingers outstretched, indicating five. There was no delay in preparing the wagon, and Jack and Jill, the two old trustworthies, were hustled along, to show the path of freedom to some of the boys' former companions and associates.

John's last injunction was: "Be sure and take plenty of food along." The order was unnecessary. The boys had thought of this, and the wagon, held precious little but articles of comfort for the unfortunates.

Sama directed the wagon to the north, and Muro's son Lolo accompanied them on the journey.

"Do you know," said Harry, "we are going straight toward the Cataract?"

"I had quite forgotten that," answered George. "How I would like to go back again to the dear old place!"

"I have just been thinking, what a wonderful life we have had since we landed here. We had nothing when we came, and now we have everything!"

"Yes," answered George; and he stopped, while his eyes took on a blurry feeling, and the lashes began to blink at an alarming rate. "All but home!"

Harry looked at George. There was an inflection, which he caught.

"Of course; I mean that, too. But we haven't lost them. When this business here is settled we are to go to work on the big vessel. When I think of that it eases my mind."

"That is the great comfort to me, too. It makes me happy when I think of the joy we are bringing to the people here. I really love every foot of this island. It has been a wonderful experience to us."

"And," responded Harry, "to think that we have aided in restoring so many to freedom; John and Blakely, and the four boys, and—I wonder who the ones are that we are going after now?"

"That is what I have been thinking about all along. But did you ever see such bricks as Uraso and Muro?"

Lolo had learned many things in the short ten days that he had been with them. The boys had attained a remarkable knowledge of the language, and Lolo was a constant instructor for them. He was so simple and unaffected in his ways that they grew to love him.

Within two hours the location of the village was sighted. It was distinctly noticed among the trees, perched on a hillside, and the excitement of the boys was intense. Stut was in charge of the warriors.

Before the village was reached several warriors belonging to the Illyas appeared, but fell back when they saw what was approaching. Stut directed Sama to inform them that they had come at the command of Oroto.

This information did not satisfy them, but the wagon did not stop. As it moved up the incline, the warriors lined up, fully twenty of them, wondering what the strange visit meant. There was no act of hostility apparent, still they could not understand why there were no Illyas present except Sama.

"Take us direct to the captives," commanded Stut.

Sama knew where they were. A typical native hut, but much larger than the others, stood behind the main homes of the village. To that the wagon was directed.

The warriors on Stut's command lined up behind the wagon, and the boys, accompanied by Lolo, rushed for the door. It was but the work of a moment to wrench the bars away, and without waiting for any ceremony George and Harry were inside.

The scene that met their eyes was appalling. The five captives were in a pitiful state. Two of the three boys were lying on filthy hay, and one man, also badly emaciated, was on the other side, lying down.

The boy who was still on his feet rushed to Harry and threw his arms about him. "Is that you, Harry? Thank God! And George, too. Where did you come from?"

"Who is this?" came like a moan from one of the boys. George stooped down. "Harry, here is Robert—Robert Lamson; and who are you?" And he crawled on his knees over to the other, who feebly turned his eyes.

Lamson turned to Harry, who was now on his knees. "You know Min, don't you?" Min was the nickname of one of the boys, because of his diminutive size.

"Poor Min!" said Harry, as he put his arm around him. "We will get you out of this at once."

"But we are so hungry," cried Robert, as the tears streamed down his face.

The boys were all crying now. The tears streaked their faces. Lolo was very much affected, but he was a jewel in this emergency. He called to Stut, and together they carried out Robert, and Harry, with his strong arms, lifted Min as though he was a feather.

They were carried to the wagon, and tenderly laid on the clean, sweet hay. Poor Min had fainted with the excitement, and Robert was not much better. But who were the men?

When Harry returned to the hut he found the warriors around one of the men, talking excitedly. He was a Saboro, and Stut recognized him as one of his people, who, it was believed, had been sacrificed long before. The other was a white man, and he was lying in a sort of stupor, apparently not recognizing his visitors.

Harry spoke to him, and at the strange voice he turned his head, and with an effort raised himself. "Who is this? What do you want? Is that you, Rogers?" and he fell back exhausted.

The still active boy, Roy Whitten, came up, and said: "He was here when we were brought to the place. His name is Gustave Wright. He has a wonderful story to tell."

"What is the matter with him? Was he wounded?"

"Yes; but he is over that now. The trouble is that he is starved, like the rest of us. Can't we have something to eat?"

"George is getting it ready for you. You must eat sparingly at first. George will attend to that, never mind."

The Saboro was in better physical condition than the others of the party. There was no time for talk. The captives were fed sparingly. "Oh, how good this tastes!" said Robert. "We had given up all hope, after they brought us here. We tried so hard to get away and go to the northeast side of the island, where some white people are living."

Harry dragged Robert out of the hut, and called to George. "Here, George, did you hear what he said? How did you know there were white people in the northeast part of the island?"

"We saw it on a litter, which the Illyas brought into their other village."

Harry looked at George. "That was the litter we made at the Cataract, and on which we carried out the Kurabu. I wonder how the Illyas got hold of it?"

"Where is the Cataract?" asked Robert.

"That is at the northeast part of the island. That was our home."

"But don't you live there now?"

"No; we live in a big town at the southwest part of the island."

"But this is so wonderful to us. Just you two boys, and all the savages. How did you manage it?"

"But we are not alone. The Professor has been with us, and we have Mr. Varney, and we rescued a Mr. Blakely, and four of the Investigator's boys."

"The Professor—the Professor, and Varney? Rogers spoke about Varney. Do you mean the professor of philosophy that you used to be so chummy with?"

"Yes," answered Harry, eagerly. "But let us get busy now." Stut had rounded up the warriors, and through Sama informed them that they were wanted at the village.

The women were in consternation, but Stut informed them that no harm would befall the men. Up to this time Stut had not permitted Sama to give any information about the situation at the village, but he now turned to the waiting warriors, and said:

"The Great White Chief and all the tribes have united, and have taken the Illyas chief and all his people prisoners, and all their women and children are now captives. The Illyas have not acted right and the chiefs must now go to the Great Chief and show that he is sorry, and that he will not again try to take captives, and will not make sacrifices."

Without waiting for a moment, the train started back for the Illyas' village. It is wonderful how the stimulating influence of surroundings will build up and strengthen the depressed. The poor boys, emaciated as they were, had smiles and tears, as they heard little snatches of experiences from the boys.

"We are telling you these things, but we are simply crazy to hear your stories. But they will keep. Let us do the talking now. You will be all right in a day or two."

The boys' eyes were kept on the vessels containing the food. Time and again George would shake his head as one or the other tried to get another "bite." The liquid food was the first administered. The journey back took much longer, because Harry would not hurry the animals over the rough roads with the patients in their low condition.

When the wagon and the train of warriors arrived at the village, the only thing the boys saw were the warriors of the allies. The captives were in the buildings, and were guarded on all sides.



CHAPTER XVI

REMARKABLE GROWTH OF UNITY

"We haven't heard from John for two days. I wonder if they have met with any difficulties?" asked Will, as they were together the evening after their trip to the hill and forest.

"John is very prudent, and a man of very extensive knowledge as a campaigner. If they had met any disaster we should have known of it before this."

"We ought to have had a telegraph line. That would keep us in touch with the army," added Jim.

"Wireless telegraphy would be still better," responded Tom.

"But how about wireless telephones?"

"And if wireless telephones, why not wireless power?"

The Professor smiled, as one suggestion after the other was made. The other boys smiled, too, at Jim's last suggestion that power might be transmitted by wireless.

"That is going a little too far," said Will. "I can understand why sounds can be sent, but power is another thing, it seems to me."

"I am afraid that is not a very logical conclusion," interposed the Professor. "What is the difference between sound and power?"

"I should say that sound is a motion in the air," replied Will, "and that power is motion——"

"In the air, too," continued the Professor. "That is not a very good definition of the matter. Let us try and make it clear. Sound is produced by vibration; the lowest number of vibrations the ear can distinguish, is sixteen per second, which is known as the low bass notes of an organ. The highest are, approximately, 12,000 per second. These vibrations require power to produce them."

"Do you mean to say that all vibrations require power?"

"Yes; nature speaks to us only in the form of motion, or vibrations of some sort. Light, heat, electricity, are merely different forms of motion. Taste and smell, as well as sound, are merely modes of motion. The beating heart; the winking of the eyelids; the rhythmic breathing of the body; the swinging of the pendulum; the movement of the sap in trees and the unfolding of the leaves; the light mists which go up and the rains which bring the particles back again; the winds and the waves; and the giant swings of the planets through space, all show how nature performs her work through unceasing movement; and all these require power."

"I remember," remarked Ralph, "about reading of a Hindoo fakir in India, who claimed that he could bring to him an object ten thousand miles away, in ten minutes of time. As that was motion it must have taken considerable power to do it."

"That is easily determined," answered the Professor. "Ten thousand miles would be 16.6 miles, per second, at that velocity. If the article should be only one inch square it would take 18,000,000 horsepower to transport it that distance in the time given. This calculation is sufficient to show the absurdity of the Hindoo's statement."

Considering that the new community was one which had been recruited from a people which had no ambition in life, except merely to live, the work going on in every quarter was more remarkable every day. Tom came to the Professor and remarked: "It would do you good to go down on street B and see how the Saboros have fixed up their places."

This was a sufficient hint for him, and busy as he was, he sauntered in that direction.

What he saw was, really, a surprise. Taking the hint from the sodding operation which the women had noticed around the boys' quarters, he found that they had actually borrowed the wheelbarrows and made some nice lawns.

The Professor called in at the places, and congratulated them on the beautiful appearances, and the nice manner in which the work was done What a wonderful thing that was to those poor women, to see the Great Chief take such notice of their work.

He went into the cottages, and examined every room, and suggested many changes, and offered advice in the manner of keeping the houses clean, and in taking care of the children. This work of beautifying their homes was, of course, crude, but it had a remarkable stimulus to the others. On every hand this was taken up. It was a spirit of emulation that was worth encouraging.

When John left with the forces, the Professor consulted Blakely, and ordered the erection of three larger and more pretentious cottages. Each of these had five rooms, all plain, but arranged in good taste, and the furniture was also being made, and the large number employed enabled them to complete the buildings ready for furnishing before John's party returned.

The working force was now ready to put up a still larger building. "Do you know what this is for?" asked Ralph, as the timber was being taken to the new location.

"I suppose this is to be the Town Hall," replied Will.

"No, indeed; it is the schoolhouse." And the boys laughed at the idea. But it was an idea that was well considered and determined on, long before John left on the expedition.

But the town was growing beyond all comprehension. Daily new families arrived, and Blakely was the busiest man in the place, in his efforts to find work for them, while the Professor and the boys were often at their wits' end to know how and where they would house them. The Saboros were the most numerous, followed by the Berees and Osagas. But now the Kurabus were coming in—the families of the warriors with John.

The Chief Oroto saw and marveled at the sights. During the entire time he had been there, he had never suggested the idea of returning. The Kurabu medicine men who had been brought down with him, were still under the charge of the Professor, and one day one of them accosted Ralph in broken English.

He looked up in surprise. It was the first inkling that the so-called wise men were being taught the language. Ralph had quite a conversation with him, and reported the information to the boys.

How was this change brought about? The first step of the Professor was to show the wise (?) men some of the mysterious things which the white men could do. The battery, which the boys had made at Cataract, was one of the instruments. Then he showed them the simple experiments in chemistry; how ores were treated and metals extracted and tempered.

These things were so much more important and wonderful than anything they could do or ever dreamed of, that when he told them they could do those things, he had the most willing pupils. Hour after hour they would perform some task, until they began to crave for new things. Then began the work of instilling knowledge of the language as a part of their education. They were taught how to communicate ideas by signs in the English language, and thus the alphabet was taught.

A spirit of rivalry was exhibited among them, and it was so intense that they had no further time for idleness or useless wanderings about the place. It was no wonder that the boys saw so little of them when the spirit once took possession of their energies.

Two of the men referred to had an undoubted aptitude for chemical experiments, one of them, Talala, being exceptionally bright and quick to grasp the meaning of an experiment. He usually accompanied the Professor on all his rounds visiting the sick, because this was now an imperative daily task on his part.

The thermometer was in frequent use and Talala understood its meaning. Only the simplest remedies were used and administered, and the gathering of the vegetables necessary for the making up of the remedies was a part of the work of each. In this the natives had a pretty good knowledge, but they knew nothing of making the extracts, or how to concentrate the compounds.

Cinchona, the Peruvian bark, and calisaya, its sister, which furnish the quinine of commerce, were well known to them, but they did not know how the white man made it so more efficient than the crude product as used by them.

He explained that by the use of an acid, like that furnished by sulphur, a chemical change could be produced, whereby a single grain would be more efficient than a dozen grains in the way they used it. This was labeled "Sulphate of Quinine," and so on along the whole line of remedies, he gave a term which they learned, and the reasons for it.

When John saw the wagon approaching he rushed out, followed by Uraso and Muro. The rescued captives were in the wagon. Pending their arrival a number of the warriors had cleaned out the large building—the one with the Doric columns, which stood at right angles to the chief's house. This structure appeared to be in the best state of preservation.

Another lot of the warriors took the wagon, and with their bolos gathered a large quantity of the sweet grass from the hillside, and this was brought to the building and arranged for the use of the chiefs and John, and for the boys when they returned.

George was eager to tell of their adventure, and of the prisoners they had brought with them. "We got three of the boys, but two of them are very weak. We have a friend of yours, also."

"Who is it?" exclaimed John, just as eager as the boys could be.

"Wright; Gustave Wright."

John bounded into the wagon. Wright saw John, and feebly extended his hand.

"I knew I would find you sooner or later," said John, as he put his arm around him. "But we got you soon enough to save you. All you need is something good to eat." And Wright smiled.

"Yes," he answered. "They haven't permitted me to take much so far; but I guess they are all right. What a fine set of boys you have!"

"The finest in the world. Wait until you know them! But never mind about talking now. And these are the boys? Poor fellows! What an experience they must have had! Come on, men; get them out and make them as comfortable as possible."

There were willing hands for every job. Muro was delighted at the rescue of his friend. He was one of the most skillful and powerful warriors, but he did not look like it at this time.

Inside the patients were ranged about the place, and the cooking stove brought in from the wagon.

"I suppose I shall have to take charge of the kitchen," said George, as he ordered it arranged in place and directed them where to put the various articles. Before long the savory odor of the vegetables and game reached the famished ones, and they begged for some of it.

"A little at a time," said George, soothingly. "I am doctor and cook, and there is plenty here, of the best kind."

"Oh, doesn't that smell good!" exclaimed Min, joyously.

"That's the way I like to hear you talk," said Harry. "Your voice doesn't seem starved. You'll be out in a couple of days, and be better than ever."

"How long have you been in that place?" asked John.

"In that particular place, only about a month; but we were in a worse place, still farther south, for about three months."

"Starving all the time?"

"Yes."

"I was moved to say that starving is a good thing, in its way, but it has its limits, and four months is a little too long for either comfort or health. You will find, however," continued John, "that you will be much healthier for the experience, particularly if you have ever had stomach troubles, as my friend Wright here has had all his life. Isn't that so, Wright?"

"Do you think I have been to a health cure?" he asked.

"Certainly; the best kind, for one in your condition." And John laughed.

"Probably you took me away before the cure was effected; but as I always was magnanimous, I shall forgive you this time."

There was a continuous fire of conversation, which cheered the patients, and added greatly to their store of knowledge.

Harry, who had been outside, rushed in, and exclaimed excitedly:

"Did you have Investigator's Lifeboat No. 3?"

"Yes," exclaimed the boys.

"Who wrote the note we found in it?"

"Did you find our boat? Where did you get it?" asked Robert.

"We found it on a river to the north of this place."

"How in the world did it ever get there?"

"But who wrote the note?"

"What note?"

"The message signed Will."

The boys looked at each other, as they all shook their heads.

"That is one of the mysteries which George and I thought you could solve."

"Mysteries! Did you have many of them?"

"Many of them! We had over a dozen, and some of them are still on the puzzle board. Do you remember Raggy, the drawing teacher? He always liked to call some of our drawings the unsolved puzzles. I wonder where he is? We had enough mysteries the first three months to supply headaches for a year."

"We want to know about them."

"We'll tell you all about them; and some were mighty thrilling. We had some just as exciting as any you ever read of in the last boys' series that we had about two years ago."

"You see," said George, in a sage-like tone, "Harry and I don't read books of that kind any more; we simply act them." And the boys, and men, too, laughed at this sally.

"Stop your talking for a while and eat something," continued George.

"Good, but it's awful hot," said Min, as he puckered up his mouth and drew in a breath of cool air.

"I made it hot so you wouldn't eat too fast," chuckled George.

Just then a great commotion was heard on the outside, and George, Harry and Robert rushed for the door. Beyond the village a scrimmage was taking place, and a few shots were fired.

John and Uraso were racing across the open place, and dozens of warriors were following. Muro was seen as he emerged from the combatants, and he was smiling as John came up.

"The reinforcements from the south village came too late. I suspected they would be here, and I had a number of the men in wait for them. They have captured all of them."

John nodded his head with approval at the course of Muro. The warriors brought in the prisoners, who were astounded at the unexpected welcome which awaited them. Forty-five were in the party. They were put under guard with the others.

The utmost care was observed during the night, as the Illyas were known to be very foxy, and half the force was detailed to keep guard.

Early in the morning John's first care was to make an investigation as to the character of the provisions on hand, and to arrange that foraging parties should be sent out to bring in vegetables.

He was surprised to learn that the Illyas cultivated many kinds of garden products, and fruit was growing in abundance. This was found to be a prudent thing to consider, when it will be remembered that the village now had to feed over three hundred of the allies, and that the penned-up Illyas were not in a position to go out and bring in the daily supply.

The boys were fed at intervals during the night, but before four they all felt so much restored that sleep overtook them, and John advised them to permit sleep, as that would be the best restorer, and they were not disturbed until they naturally awoke during the forenoon.

A plentiful supply of broth was prepared, and administered during the day. But Harry and George were simply wild to explore the buildings. The excitement had been too intense to enable them to give it much thought. But now something must be known about the buildings and the reason for their erection at that place.

John had questioned various ones about the buildings, but none seemed to know anything concerning them. Uraso and Muro were just as much surprised as the whites. Neither had known of the existence of a place with such buildings.

It appears that the Illyas never allowed captives to be confined in the village, and this was a wise thing; because the escape of anyone would be sure to inform the other tribes of the existence of the Forbidden City.

The remarkable thing about it, aside from the buildings, was the plan upon which the town had been built. It was regularly laid out. There were three main buildings; the first and largest being the one facing the west, with the Doric front. The next largest had its front facing the south, and this had Ionic columns. The third, and which was not noticeable from a position west of the village, was smaller than either, with a front of Tuscan architecture.

What did these buildings mean? By whom were they erected, and for what purpose were they intended? These were questions ever uppermost in the minds of John and the boys.



CHAPTER XVII

THE MYSTERIOUS CAVE. RETURNING TO UNITY

"It may be there are some sort of records or tablets somewhere about the buildings which will indicate what they were erected for; but my investigations thus far leave me just as much in the dark as when I first saw them," remarked John, as they were examining the structures.

"I wonder if they have corner stones? Sometimes they put records there," observed Harry.

"I made an examination in that direction also, but the character of the underpinning is the same all around, and the corners have no distinguishing stones."

"It must be a very old custom to have cornerstones for buildings."

"It was a custom to have cornerstones, or memorial stones, in all buildings in ancient times. They were well known in the time of Job, and buildings thousands of years prior to his day contained them. It is not known from what the custom arose."

"Didn't you say that the treasure charts showed the existence of caves to the southeast of the cave we found at the Tuolos' village?"

"Yes, and that is something that we shall have to investigate to-morrow. To-day the patients still need our care, but they will be well enough to enable us to be absent to-morrow."

"I think we ought to make sketches of the plan of this town. I have a presentiment that we shall know something more about this place in the future," said George.



"By all means have it prepared during the day. Later on I may be able to give a pretty good guess what all this means." And the boys looked at each other significantly.

If the chiefs, or any of the lower order, knew anything about the origin of the town, they did not make it apparent.

"Do you notice one singular thing about this town and the people in it?" asked John.

Neither of the boys could guess.

"Where are the medicine men, and those who perform the sacred rites at their festivals?"

The boys again looked at each other for an answer. George replied: "I think they are at the caves of which the charts give some indication," finally exclaimed Harry.

"That is the case, undoubtedly. That is where we shall have the difficulty. The chiefs will not disclose their hiding places. Before going on the search we must question the chief."

In the early morning John and the boys called on the chief in company with Uraso. A complete change had come over him. Two days before he was sullen and moody, after the first lesson had been given him. Now he was different and agreeable.

"Before we start for the village of the Great White Chief there are some questions I would ask you. How many medicine men have you?"

"Ten."

"Where are they?"

"In their dark homes."

"Where are those homes?"

"To the east. Sama will take you to them, but you cannot go in."

"Why not?"

"Because you will be destroyed."

"How do you know?"

"Because they have told us so."

"Do you believe them?"

"Yes."

"Do you sacrifice your captives because they tell you the Great Spirit demands it?"

"Yes."

"Then I must tell you that they lie to you. The Great Spirit does not tell them to sacrifice. It is not death to enter their homes."

"But we know that no one has ever come from them alive."

"Does the Great Spirit kill them when they go in?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to know whether they tell the truth?"

"Yes."

"Then I will go in, and show you that the Great Spirit will not harm me."

"How shall I know that you go in?"

"You must go with me and stand at the opening."

The chief's eyes now wandered about. He was visibly affected at this bold declaration, and John saw hesitation in his demeanor.

Without giving him time to waver, he continued: "The great Chief Oroto must not show his people that he is afraid. He must show them that he is greater and wiser than the medicine men, and that the wise men who have told him those tales have not told the truth."

Turning to Uraso he said: "Prepare the wagon, and we will start at once." The chief and two of the sub-chiefs were taken out and placed in the wagon. Harry, George, Uraso and Muro, with a picked company of twenty-five men, were selected to accompany them.

The wagon was a curiosity to Oroto. He enjoyed the ride immensely and admired the manner in which Harry handled and guided the yaks.

Their course was directed due east for a mile, and then moved along a well-beaten path diagonally up the hill in a southern direction. After proceeding thus for a half mile farther the ground, became rough and cut up by innumerable gullies.

"How much farther must we go?"

"To the place where the great trees are." And he pointed to a group of trees less than five hundred feet beyond. Progress with the team was impossible, and all alighted. Leaving three of the warriors with the team, the others ascended the slight elevation, and before them was the mouth of the cavern.

The opening was not more than eight feet in height, and not over six feet wide, with irregular sides. Arriving in front of it, John advanced to Oroto, and said: "I am about to show you that the Great Spirit will not injure me!" And saying so boldly marched in.

He remained for a full half hour, and the chief became uneasy. The boys, as well as Uraso and Muro, affected not to be disturbed. What John did was this: It was evident to him that the occupants of the cave had no knowledge of the approach of the party.

They knew that the White Chief and the allies had captured the village and the chiefs. They felt a certain sense of security in their home, because in all the tribal warfares the medicine men and the wise men of the tribes were regarded with fear and reverence.

When John entered the cave, he went in a sufficient distance to be surrounded by total darkness. He remained concealed long enough so that he could become accustomed to the darkness, and slowly moved toward the interior, as he felt assured the occupants' presence would sooner or later be revealed by their lights.

In this he was not mistaken, and he was surprised to find them much nearer the entrance than he anticipated. It would be more impressive to remain for some time than to emerge at once, so he sat down to observe the wise men.

There was the most oppressive silence when he first observed the light, but as he neared them, a more or less animated conversation took place. Much of this was understood by John, as his knowledge of two of the dialects gave him some key to the words uttered. From this it was evident that they knew of the rescue of the captives.

The chief had told them of ten belonging to the order. John could count only eight. Possibly two were in some other part of the cavern, and he moved along at the opposite side of the large chamber to discover what was beyond.

Brushing along the wall, a hanging stalactite was dislodged, and it fell. The noise did not give even a momentary start to the company. John was surprised. He stopped and reflected, and the reason soon became plain. They supposed that it was caused by the absent ones returning.

But John waited and the two did not return, and they began to glance about. At this time he was on the opposite side of the chamber, so that the medicine men were between him and the mouth of the cave.

A half dozen of them had arisen, and John stepped forward with his gun in position. In a stentorian voice John shouted:

"I am the Great White Chief. Go to the door of the cave. If any refuse he will die. Go!"

It might be stated that before leaving for the cave Uraso had fully instructed John how to use the above phrases. His sudden apparition on the side opposite the mouth of the cave was most startling to them. Not a word was uttered by either.

"Go!" again shouted John. They seemed to be paralyzed. By a common impulse they moved toward the entrance, and as they marched out and saw the party there waiting to receive them, together with their own chief, the consternation was most marked on the faces of all.

Addressing the chief, John said: "Here are your wise men. The Great Spirit is not there. They have lied to you."

It was now apparent from the actions of the chief why he was considered such a power and a terror to his own people and to the tribes. He was every inch a chief. He strode forward, and would have crushed them with his own hands, but John interposed.

"We shall take care of them. They will never again lie to the great chief Oroto." And so saying they were ordered bound, and Uraso instructed to take them to the village and carefully guard them.

"You may take the wagon with you, Uraso, as the boys and I want to attend to some matters on our own account, and we shall soon follow you."

When the cavalcade passed from their sight, John said: "I suppose we shall now have an opportunity to examine the place. Have you any candles?"

Harry had not forgotten them, and the boys smiled as John also drew forth several, and thus they entered the cave. John marched direct to the place where the wise men had their quarters, and their lamps were still burning.

"By the way, we came in too soon. Two of them are outside, or are somewhere in the cave. We want them as well as the others. If they find us here, they will be likely to get away. But we are here now, and we must find out what we can, and as quickly as possible." The lights at the habitable part of the cave were left burning and the three plunged into the passageway which led to the east.

"This is the cave noted in the chart. How fortunate it is. You will note that this, like the other cave, has also a cross-shaped formation, and the treasure should be at the south branch."

"Here it is," whispered George.

"What, the treasure?" was Harry's eager question.

"No; the south branch."

"You are undoubtedly right. There is no other opening."

This branch was followed less than a hundred feet, when a solid white wall appeared in front, and it was readily seen that the channel terminated in the chamber.

The floor of this chamber was one mass of uneven projections, entirely unlike the other parts of the cave, and what was more singular still, it was fully six feet higher than the floors of the other portions, but it was absolutely devoid of any treasure, or anything which could contain such a hoard as the chart seemed to indicate.