The Wonder Island boys

The moment his eyes caught the picture he started, and nodded his head affirmatively. John then pointed to the Kurabu and then to the boys in the picture, but at this he shook his head. This was sufficiently intelligent to inform them that the boys, if captives, were not in possession of either of the tribes.

The Professor then produced one of the headdresses which they had taken from one of the warriors in the first day’s fight, two months before, and by the same sort of pantomimic language the Saboro nodded his head affirmatively.

“We are getting along splendidly,” said John enthusiastically. “We know where the boys are, at least.”

For the first time the Saboro addressed the Kurabu, who shook his head as he proceeded. What were they talking about? John arrested the attention of the Saboro, and drawing the picture of a bearded man, showed it to him. The answer of the Saboro was a startling one as he held up three fingers.

“I wish we could get him out to the boathouse, to see whether he recognizes the lifeboat.” This proposal of John told them the purpose of the inquiry in that direction.

“Before doing that let us proceed with the inquiry as far as we can, and, if possible, get the Saboro to inform his fellow captive that our mission is to get the white men and the boys, and that we have no other object in view.”

It was interesting to watch the eyes of the savages as they sat at the evening meal. They were supplied with knives and forks, which they eyed curiously.

“Do you suppose this is the first time they ever had an opportunity to use forks?” asked Tom, laughing. “I know the fellows who got us never used anything like that!”

“They used knives to convey the food to the mouth, did they not?” queried the Professor.

“Well, our limited acquaintance brought us only among those who ate with the forks and knives which nature furnished them,” added Ralph.

“When were forks first invented?” asked George, with a grin.

“They were introduced into England early in the sixteenth century, but were known in Italy before that time. Certain English writers, traveling in the south of Europe, wrote about the curious habit of using tiny little forks, and the new fad was adopted, and the custom was for each person to have his own knife and fork, which he always carried with him. The inns and public places did not serve these articles.”

In the morning the savages were still there, but had moved over toward the river, and were examining, in the distance, the water wheel. What a curiosity it must have been to them. Before leaving on their trip this had been drawn back from the water, so that the cataract was not turning it.

Harry, who was in the shop with Tom, in a spirit of mischief carried out the levers, used for the purpose, and pushed the wheel into place, and as it began to turn with the rushing waters, the entire tribe was set in commotion. Was this some new demon?

The boys enjoyed the effect produced. “Let us hitch up the sawmill and give them an additional lesson in the arts of civilization.”

The belt was attached, and as the saw began to reciprocate a piece of timber was put on the saw carriage and fed into the saw. The effect was startling to their audience, which was heightened when George opened the door of the house, and both boys rushed out to ascertain what the boys were doing.

“What are you doing?” asked Tom.

Harry and Ralph laughed in glee at the commotion, and John and the Professor joined in the sport, when they learned the object of the boys’ enterprise.

“We’re simply trying to entertain our visitors,” shouted Ralph, and the besiegers were simply at their wits’ ends to know what all the hilarity was about.

Harry crawled up on the pile of lumber, and beckoned to the Kurabus, and invited them to come up; but this did not seem to appeal to them. In the effort to get down, the pile fell, and his hand was caught beneath the corners of the rough boards and an ugly flesh wound resulted.

The weather was very warm, and the two bodies, which were lying exposed since the early morning two days before, began decomposition, and the Professor suggested that from a sanitary point of view to say nothing of common humanity, the bodies should be buried as quickly as possible.

The boys secured the picks and shovels, and as they were about to start, the Professor cried out: “Harry, you must not go under any circumstances.”

His manner of saying it and the peremptory tone in which it was uttered was a great surprise to the boys. The savages noticed them as they dug the graves, and reverently interred the two warriors. They watched in silence during the entire proceedings.

During the course of the evening George said: “Why did you refuse to let Harry go with us to-day when we buried the two bodies?”

“It was merely a matter of precaution.”

The boys looked at each other, wondering what he meant. The Professor noticed their looks of astonishment, and he continued:

“Harry injured his hand this morning, and the interment of decaying human bodies is dangerous to anyone likely to come into contact in such a manner that the raw tissues or the blood get a taint of the putrefaction.”

“Is it any more dangerous than to handle putrefied bodies of animals?”

“There is nothing more poisonous to human beings than decayed human flesh. The dissection of human bodies is one of the most dangerous occupations, for the reason that if the dissecting surgeon should cut himself with the dissecting knife, it is almost sure death.

“This knowledge has been made use of in a most wonderful way. You may, probably, know that various serums are used in the form of injections in order to cure malignant diseases. The curious fact is, that the putrefied body of a rabbit, if injected into a live rabbit, will kill the rabbit, but no other species of animal; and so the like, under those conditions, will destroy the like kind.

“Taking advantage of this knowledge, the bacteria of, say, diphtheria, is isolated—that is, separated from the matter in which it grows, and this is allowed to putrefy, and this serum, as it is called, when injected into a patient having diphtheria is virulent in its actions against the diphtheria in the blood of the sufferer, so that the germs of that disease are thereby destroyed.”

The situation at the cataract was now a most peculiar one. How long would the attitude of the savages be kept up? It is true they were not suffering for food, as that was easily obtainable, the large herd of yaks being at their command, and the garden in easy reach.

It was inconceivable that their enemies could hope to starve them into submission. The Professor and John pondered over the situation, and endeavored to explain the apathy of the Kurabus. Not a single hostile movement had been made after the first disastrous attack.

“It seems to be idle to speculate on what their intentions are,” said John. “We cannot afford to be cooped up here, when we should be in the field making some effort to rescue those in danger.”

“Why not make another attempt to get the two fellows into conversation, and let them know, finally, what our purpose is,” was Harry’s suggestion. “If we fail, let us attack them, and show that we are masters of the situation.”

“It is true that inaction on our part may be construed into weakness,” answered the Professor, “and Harry’s plan is certainly better than this sort of business.”

John again took up the questioning with the Saboro, and told him in as simple a manner as possible what to say to the Kurabu, and this information was imparted in detached sections for his easy comprehension.

This process was repeated over and over, until they felt he was fully advised of the meaning of their plans, when John ventured to remark: “We might as well make a trial of the fellow, so if you can make a litter to put him on we will take him out and turn him over to his friends.”

It required but a little labor to get this ready, and the boys, accompanied by John, carried him out and went forward toward the congregated savages. They looked on this proceeding with astonishment. As the little group with the savage approached the band retreated to a respectful distance.

John ordered the litter to be put down, and then by motions to the savages requested them to take him. Before leaving, the Professor had placed a bottle of the fever medicine on the litter, and after John and the boys returned to the house the band rushed up to their wounded comrade, and the first thing that attracted the attention of all was the bottle of medicine.

They gathered around the litter, and, no doubt, plied many questions. For a full half hour this continued, and then the litter was lifted and he was carried off.

“Did you see the inscription I put on the litter?” asked Harry.

“No; what was it?”

“Friends in the northeast portion of the island ready to help you. Dated, Sunday, June 14, 1912.”

“Where did you get the date?”

“Well that date is as good as any. We know it is about a year and a half after we landed here, and that will be pretty good notice if any of our boys get hold of it.”

The Professor and John heard the conversation with amusement, and the former inquired: “What was your object in putting it ‘Sunday’?”

“I thought that would be a good time to date a message of that kind.”

All laughed at Harry’s smartness in thinking of putting a message on the litter, as by that means it might fall into the way of some one in distress.

John was especially amused and remarked: “Harry was absolutely right. I know it is Sunday to-day, and there is an invariable rule by which it can be proven, wherever you are, and whatever time you awaken, without ever asking the question of anyone.”

This was certainly an interesting thing, and the boys crowded around John. “Let us know the method.”

“What we all understand by Sunday is the Sabbath, or day of rest. Among Christians their Sabbath is on Sunday; the Greeks have theirs on Monday; the Persians on Tuesday; the Assyrians on Wednesday; Egyptians on Thursday; the Turks on Friday; and the Jews on Saturday. With this understanding you may be sure to strike the right day in some particular creed. It is the only day of the week about which there is any question.”

The besieging party was still in position as night fell, but when the sun rose in the morning they were nowhere in sight, and John, beckoning to Ralph, took their guns and set out on an exploring expedition to the southwest. They went eight miles in the direction of the falls, and failed to find more than the traces of the trail which they had left.

It was a relief to learn this, as it now enabled them to perfect the plans for a more determined invasion of the country inhabited by their would-be enemies.

Their wagon equipment was found satisfactory in every respect, and John suggested that it might be well to postpone the trip for a little time, in order that he might perfect the means of communication with the captive Saboro, and he set about diligently to perfect the talk.

In some respects he was more intelligent than the chief who had escaped them five weeks before. He grasped the sign language more acutely, but he was not as adept at imparting the information to John. On the whole, however, this was not a disadvantage, but in less than a week he had learned some words which delighted him, and when he was able to move about, John took him to the workshop and showed the different things which were made, and was afterwards directed to the laboratory.

His face became a ghastly sight when he saw the skeletons, and glanced in fear at the Professor. Probably he inferred that he was reserved for that fate. It was a gruesome thing even for the savage that he was. It was a shock, coming as it did after the humane treatment he had received.

The Professor and John looked at each other and smiled at his trepidity, and the former, taking up the bones of one who had a bullet-perforated skull, showed it to him, and thus sought to explain the manner of the death.

For several days afterwards his eyes kept up their shifting glances, and he ever afterwards avoided the laboratory. As in the case of Chief, the workshop interested him, and he would sit for hours before the turning water wheel and marvel at it.

Unlike Chief, the firearms attracted him beyond measure. His eyes would be fixed on them whenever they were within reach of his vision, and the antics of Angel amused him, as he strutted about with the imitation weapon.

“It should be a part of his education to know that we are able to make these wonderful things, as it will impress him, and if he should take leave of us in the same unceremonious way that Chief did we will have the satisfaction of knowing that he will carry the wonderful stories to his people.” This was the Professor’s view of the matter, and all agreed and acted on the suggestion.

Harry turned out some trinket for him, and presented a small mirror. This amused him, and he treasured the little metal balls, and Harry made some of them in his presence. During all this exhibition, the boys, as well as John, talked to him and explained the different objects in words.

But there was grim determination now in the minds of all to make a trip which would land them in the heart of the savage country. The various wanderings had fitted them for the task. They knew their own power, and appreciated the weaknesses of their enemies.

It is true they had not, so far, an opportunity to withstand a determined charge, and were not sure but the slightest success on the part of a large body of warriors might materially change the situation.

John was particularly insistent. “You know what Kipling calls the ‘white man’s burden’ is imposed on us. We have a duty to not only rescue the white men, but to rescue the natives as well. We have a wonderful field here, if we are true to ourselves. We may not be any too wise in finding a way of reaching them successfully, but sooner or later our efforts must win.”

The Professor and the boys applauded the position John had taken, and Harry, who was always an enthusiast in the matter of rescue work responded: “Speaking for myself, and for the boys as well, we are with you to the end, whatever the result may be.”

CHAPTER VI

APPROACHING THE FIRST HOSTILE CAMP

Speaking of the subject one evening, the Professor observed: “Many people have a wrong impression of the divine injunction, that ‘it is better to give than to receive.’ This does not imply mere material things, but it goes far beyond that. A gift means nothing; it may be a pleasant reminder; but aside from that what is there which is really a service to either giver or receiver? The true giving is that which does not cost the giver anything. The great donor is he who can transfer to the recipient something which he could not otherwise gain. To teach a man how he can make two blades of grass grow where one grew before, or to impart the knowledge whereby a laborious task can be accomplished in an easier manner, or how the drudgery of life can be made a pleasant recreation, these are the great things of life, and are the greatest gifts in the power of civilized men.”

“It seems odd that it should be necessary to take a whole arsenal along with us for the purpose of trying to civilize the savages,” said George, laughing.

“Quite true,” answered John. “It has been said that England, the greatest civilizing force the world has ever known, sent her subjects to the shores of the foreign barbarians, with a Bible in one hand and a gun in the other. The Church and the fort seemed to be a necessary pair of instruments, put up opposite each other on the same highway that led to the rescue of the savages.”

“Well, in our case, we carry our fort with us,” and Tom laughed as he added: “But what are we going to do about the Bible?”

The Professor smiled, as did the others: “If you carry out that injunction, giving and not receiving, you are doing what the Bible teaches in essence.”

They now had the two captives, one who was still unable to walk and the other rapidly improving, and no doubt in a condition where he would be able to take care of himself within another week, and by that time the other would be so materially improved as to lighten the care necessary in his case.

Meanwhile every moment was put to the necessary preparations for the great self-imposed task, however critical it might be. The ammunition supply was doubled, and ten more gun barrels drilled out, accompanied with the stocks and fittings for the complete equipment. At odd hours the loom was in motion, making the crude sort of cloth that ramie fiber afforded; a load of cane was brought in and fifty pounds of sugar boiled down ready for use.

The wagon was thoroughly overhauled, and a new yoke provided. Thus each day was filled with excitement growing out of the new impulse which had been implanted in them.

The Saboro was learning rapidly, and his efforts to pronounce many of the words sounded generally like a severe case of stuttering, which was frequently amusing, and George, who had a faculty for affixing names, never referred to him except by the appellation of Mr. Stut.

“Why isn’t that a good name,” ventured Tom, as the significance burst on him. From that time forward he was known as Stut. It was simply the boy habit of giving some name, even to somebody who had a much better one, and it was so easy to pronounce.

“The other scalawag isn’t worth a name, as he is nothing but a chump. He hasn’t said a word since he has been having the pleasure of our company,” added Harry.

“Mr. Chump will suit him to a dot.”

Stut, and Chump, and Angel. John and the Professor laughed heartily as the boys jollied and worked. It was a sample of part of the life in that little community.

But the great day arrived. The wagon was loaded, and the merry party started out on the trail, not knowing what dangers lurked in their pathway. Every part of the forest to the west was a book to them. It had been traversed by the Professor and two of the boys on six different occasions, and three times John and the other two had trailed the different routes.

They recalled how directions and objects had been enigmas to them when the first attempt was made and with what fear and trembling the dark recesses of the woods filled them. It was entirely different on this occasion. They were strong, healthy, vigorous, and had been trained to woodcraft and hunting; were experts with the guns, and under the training of John and their previous engagements with the savages acquired a skill and confidence which only experience can teach.

It would not be going far out of the way to note that John and the Professor were proud of the boys. It would not be possible for two to be more congenial than their association. It was a constant source of delightful conversation to talk about their boys.

“After considering the matter for some time I am of the opinion that we should go directly west, after leaving the Cataract River, far enough to avoid the densest portion of the forest, which lies to the north of South River, and turn south about five miles east of West River,” remarked the Professor, as they were discussing the most available route.

“But you forget, Professor, that will bring us down to the very place where we crossed the tributary of the West River, and where we had our first meeting with the savages.”

“That is exactly the reason why I made the suggestion. I also had another object in view. From Stut’s description that is the direction we should go to reach the tribe which has the boys.”

Harry had forgotten this.

John did not remember the trip referred to, as it was taken during the time when his memory was still in darkness; but he turned to the Professor: “Was that place about ten miles east or southeast of the Tuolos?”

“Yes.”

“Then, if we go directly south from that point we shall find the last tribe which captured me, and when we reach them I am sure there will be a welcome for us.”

In explanation of this it should be stated that John was captured the first time by a very bitter and vindictive set, from whom he escaped, only to be taken, during the progress of a battle, by the successful tribe, living to the west. The last tribe was named the Osagas, and when the Professor and the boys had the first fight it was with this tribe, and from them the Chief, named Uraso, was captured, and held a prisoner for a time.

Uraso was with them long enough to become fairly familiar with the language, but John was able to talk with them, with some degree of intelligence, as he had learned the rudimentary part of the language. Uraso’s return to the tribe was a sore disappointment, because it was hoped that he would serve as a link by which they could communicate with the savages.

The first night the encampment was on the bank of the upper portion of Cataract River, and they would leave its shore in the morning for a more southerly course. The complete equipment was not a heavy load, since all of them walked except the Professor and Chump; the other captive, Stut, was allowed his liberty, because they felt that the direction of their route would bring them into a neighborhood which was remote from his tribe, and to reach his home it would be necessary to pass at least two of the hostile tribes.

The second night they encamped in what might fairly be called the enemy’s country, as on one of the previous trips the first view of them was had not many miles to the south. Caution, therefore, must be exercised, and the custom which had been established of setting regular watches was now resorted to.

Angel was with them, as a matter of course. His aid was invaluable, and the joyful chuckles which he emitted, when the wagon first started on its journey, told his feelings too well for words.

After the morning meal John and George took the advance. This was the signal for Angel to follow. He shambled along, and whenever opportunity offered was in the trees, swinging along from one to the next, and keeping up the pace without any apparent effort.

At intervals George would call to Angel to ascend a high tree and look to the south. This was now a familiar thing for him to do. He seemed to be proud of the faculty. George had on many occasions performed this scouting operation, and Angel learned to know its meaning.

Noon came before the tributary stream of the West River was reached. They hoped to encamp on its shore for luncheon, but it was still an hour or more away.

Before luncheon was over, Angel, in the highest treetop, began to descend with that well-known danger chatter, to which all had become accustomed. George ran to the tree and pointed to the south, and this was the signal for the repetition of his talk about the savages.

Selecting the most accessible tree, George mounted it for thirty feet, accompanied by Angel, and, following the eyes of the animal, could distinctly see moving objects directly to the south.

“I can see them, way beyond the river,” he cried. “If I can distinguish anything I will let you know.”

“Can it be possible the Osagas are there?” asked the Professor.

“They would be in that direction,” answered John.

“But I think we told you that it was near this place we had the fights with the tribes, where we accidentally got between the two factions.”

“It is probable they were fighting with the same people that attacked the Osagas the last time, but it is my impression they were much farther to the east.”

“Don’t you remember, Professor, that on the second day we saw a tribe different from those who attacked us before?”

“That is what I was going to remark. The whole matter of their tribal warfares seems to be pretty much mixed up.”

“Yes,” called down George, “there is quite a party, probably fifty or more—it is hard to tell at this distance.”

“Do you see any huts?” asked John.

After a pause, he answered: “No; nothing I can distinguish. It looks to me as though this is very near the place we had our first skirmish, and what seems peculiar is that when we were here before something like huts were visible in that direction.”

George was quiet for a time, when he continued: “Do you remember that after we crossed the river we made our way somewhat to the west and ascended a hill that had large trees on it. I mean the place where we had the second day’s fight, when we started for the West River?”

“That describes the place exactly. Can you see that? What we took for the villages was directly to the south of that point.”

“There are no villages there now.”

“How near that place are the people you see?”

“Directly to the east, probably less than a mile.”

“Then that is our objective point,” said John.

The time for action had come. All was excitement, but it was one mixed with a determination which meant business. The wagon was put in motion, and headed directly for the river. Before two o’clock the stream was crossed, and waiting only long enough to water the yaks, they were urged forward at a feverish speed.

John, George and the Angel again went to the front. At frequent intervals Angel swung up into the treetops, and whenever an opportunity presented itself George was an observer from the same vantage points.

They were moving nearer and nearer to their objects. It was nearly four o’clock when John called a halt, as he said: “We can now reach them in less than a half hour, and it is now merely a matter for us to decide, whether we shall make ourselves known now or wait for the morning, when we have a full day before us. For my part, we should camp, and we shall then be fresh for whatever turns up to-morrow.”

This was considered good advice, and the fort was erected at the side of a small rivulet where John had halted, and the cattle placed inside. Stut, to the surprise of all, lent a willing hand in the proceeding.

John, after the fort had been erected, and the evening meal served, said: “This ground is familiar to me. I have crossed and recrossed that stream back there many times, but not at this place. I can recall it because the water, if you noticed it, is quite reddish, or rather a reddish brown, due, no doubt, to the iron along the stream. It flows from the direction of the first tribe that captured me.”

“It seems to me we should have some settled policy with respect to our manner of treating with these people. Judging from our past experience with them, we must be firm and aggressive.”

“You are entirely right in that observation. Do not let us show any hesitancy in approaching them. In my opinion a bold front will do more to make them respect us than any other course.”

The night was clear, but the moon had not yet risen, and before nine John and George left the wagon on a scouting trip in the direction of the savages. The first mile was made at a rapid pace, but it became necessary to observe greater caution. By thus making an early investigation some idea might be obtained of the number, and possibly their designs.

The matter which most interested them was to ascertain whether this was the location of their homes, or if they had to meet a party on the warpath. In the latter case the problem was a more difficult one to handle. It was also desirable to ascertain what tribe they had to deal with.

The thing which early attracted John’s attention was the absence of fires. “I do not like that symptom. If they are in the vicinity of their home there would be fires evident somewhere. They are also exceedingly quiet, which adds to the belief that this is a party on the way to attack some neighboring people.”

The forward movement was made from shrub to tree, and from one bush to the next, until they were not five hundred feet from the camp, and at that distance the low sound of voices was distinguishable. It is singular that they had not disturbed a single picket.

“It will be safer for one alone to move through this brush, so remain here and keep a sharp lookout, while I go forward. Under no circumstances must an alarm be made, and do not use the gun except in self-defense, and in such an event do not wait for me, but return to the wagon with all haste.”

“How long will you be gone?” asked George.

“If I do not return in a half hour, you may be at liberty to go back.”

“But suppose they capture you?”

“If they get me you will know it.”

“How?”

“My gun will tell you that.”

John cautiously moved forward so quietly that George did not hear his motions, and he could then appreciate the ability of such a woodsman to creep upon an enemy.

As he approached the camp it became more obvious that they had to deal with a band of warriors, and within less than two hundred feet of the main body he spied the first pickets. He knew the custom of the natives in this respect, as they never scouted singly, so that he was not surprised to see two together.

Cautiously moving away from them, to the left, he again approached in the direction of the center of the camp, and after making a narrow circle to be sure that no other pickets were in the immediate vicinity, carefully advanced to a point not one hundred feet from the outer circle.

This gave him an opportunity to count the combatants. They had no tents, and beyond the mumbling sounds of the talkers, there was nothing to attract attention. There were no captives in sight, and only twice during the time he was in close view of the camp, did any warriors come in, or others go out.

During this period, however, he had gained sufficient knowledge to ascertain that they had only four sets of pickets, and all of them disposed in the direction of the wagon, or to the northwest.

This was certainly a curious thing, and something he could not understand at the time. He debated the subject in his mind for some time, and then as quietly made his way back to George.

“That is the most peculiar way of picketing, to guard only one side of the camp. Let us go eastwardly and try to pick up some information from that quarter.”

They worked their way through the brush for a quarter of a mile when John pointed to the south. “This is the direction to take. Guard the movement of every foot now, and stop the moment you see my hand go up.”

The way now led up a perceptible elevation, which could not really be called a hill, but it was a slope, thickly wooded, and with considerably less underbrush than in the lower ground. The trees were not large, however, and the absence of the vegetation enabled them to see a much greater distance, and thus made the work easier, and enabled a much more rapid pace.

CHAPTER VII

JOHN AND STUT RESCUING THREE CAPTIVES

“Can you make any estimate of the number in the camp?”

“I judge there are fully fifty there, as I saw four groups. The night is not clear enough to enable me to make this statement positively, but there are not more than that.”

“Would it not be well to go to the village?”

“That would not be as hazardous a task as the one we have just undertaken. It will mean swimming the river, and if you are prepared for that I am only too anxious to make the trip.”

Before they had started a commotion was plainly heard in the camp to their right.

“Do you think they have discovered our presence?” asked George, breathlessly.

John did not answer, but leaned forward and listened intently. He did not move for a full minute, while the din increased.

“They seem to be fighting. It is possible they have been attacked, still I do not hear any of the usual cries which accompany their struggles.”

Several lights now appeared in the camp.

They waited in silence for ten minutes more, and John said: “Let us move nearer. I am anxious to know what all this means.”

“Do you think those at the wagon can hear them?”

“Undoubtedly. They are nearer than we are. For that reason we should reach the wagon as soon as possible, and in doing so we can pass near their camp by making a slight detour. I am most anxious to know what the commotion means.”

As the camp was neared, it was evident from the character of the noises that, instead of an attack, it was the arrival, as John interpreted it, of reinforcements, or of a section of the band which had returned.

The hilarity in the camp was made the more apparent as they drew nearer. “We need not have much fear of approaching now.”

They did not require such care in treading the way along, as the excitement in the camp was such as to drown the noise of their footsteps.

“I believe they have some captives. Look at the bunch of warriors to the right, and the struggle of the different ones to go near; their actions, and the dancing around that group, are sufficient to convince me that the new arrivals have just brought them in.”

“Yes; I can see them,” exclaimed George in excitement. A fire was now being lit, and another, and finally the glowing lights were all around the group, and when the warriors stepped outside of the circle of fires three bound victims were plainly seen.

“That method of confining their captives within a circle of fires is a common one with two of the tribes here, one of them being the ones which first captured me. The Saboros, however, do not adopt that method.”

“Look at the one nearest us. He doesn’t look like a native.” John could not resist the impulse to move forward, but he did it with the greatest prudence, and as he returned, said:

“You were correct. He is not a savage. That is, he seems to be different from the other two. Probably he is from some other tribe, and—”

The man referred to raised himself up, and turned his position; this brought his face into view. He was a bearded white man, and at the sight John could hardly restrain himself.

“Let us return to the wagon at once.”

When the wagon was reached they found the greatest excitement, and learned that the Professor had gone forward in order to ascertain whether the noise from the savage camp was in any way connected with John and George.

While debating the subject the Professor reappeared, to the relief of the party, and John recounted their experiences, and the sighting of the village.

“I felt assured,” said the Professor, “as I approached the camp, that you could not have been taken, because not a shot had been fired, and it would be quite unlike you to be captured without giving us that warning signal.”

“How near did you go to the camp?”

“Within two hundred feet. I believe there are two white men among the captives.”

Thus was new fuel added to the imaginations of the boys. It was, indeed, a mission of rescue. But the new arrivals added materially to the force in their front.

“They must have fully a hundred men, judging from the hurried count made after we returned. I made out fifty before the lot with the captives came in.”

John and the Professor conferred on the situation, and made numerous suggestions as to their proper course.

“The only objection I have to attempting a rescue to-night is that we shall bring down on us the enmity of the tribe. I had hoped we could show them by our actions that we were disposed to be friendly, and the rescue of the captives would be an act of hostility at the start.”

“I appreciate your views, Professor, but we are here, primarily, to rescue our people, and to-morrow they will take them to their village, and the chances of recapture would be lessened. It occurs to me that a strong, bold front at this time will do more to instil fear than any other course.”

“I agree with you in the main. It will be a hazardous undertaking, but whether it is or not should not deter us if we consider it the proper course to follow. Yes; let us make arrangements accordingly.”

The news of this decision was hailed with delight by the boys. Stut knew what was going on, and volunteered to accompany them. He knew the people before them. They were his deadly enemies.

The boys had made a half dozen pistols to replace those lost when the yaks ran away, about six months before. John removed Chump’s breech clout, took off his own clothing, and daubed the exposed part of his body with mud, and Stut, with an eye to business, which was very much to his liking, took the headdresses, and to the surprise of John, and amusement of the others, converted them into fairly good imitations of the clothing worn by the campers beyond.

“Now,” said John, “we are about to attempt one of the most difficult feats, the recapture of prisoners. If possible, we want to do this without sacrificing life. Stut knows the savages beyond are his enemies, and we can count on his assistance. He and I will undertake the rescue. With our new suits we shall be able to approach and enter the camp, and I am counting on his ability to talk with them, to assist us very materially.”

The boys now understood the plans, and were delighted, notwithstanding the seriousness of the undertaking.

“The team will be in no danger,” remarked Harry, who feared that it would be incumbent on him to remain there inactive. “I want to take part in this, too.”

The Professor and John both appreciated this appeal. “Most assuredly, you must be with us. The team can take care of itself, and besides, the warriors over there will have enough on their hands without caring for the team, if they give us any trouble,” was John’s comment.

John carefully concealed two of the pistols, and selected a bow and some arrows, and Stut had a spear and his own bow. By the time the camp was reached the savages had settled down, and the fires began to dwindle.

It was long past midnight before John began any movement. The boys wondered at the delay, but the Professor stated that the best time to make the attempt would be after sleep had overtaken them, and the chances of success would be much enhanced.

Before John and Stut left, the former turned to the boys: “The Professor knows what to do in any emergency. The only thing you have to do is to keep cool, and obey the orders of the Professor implicitly.”

As they moved toward the camp they looked like two savages, and George said: “They look exactly like the fellows in the camp. That is an ingenious thing to do, and I hope for their success.”

The tension on the part of the boys was beyond expression, as they watched the two move up slowly. When the outer circle of the camp was reached they were surprised to see John and Stut rise up boldly and make their way among the sleeping warriors.

When they had reached the interior of the camp they halted.

“What do you suppose they are doing?” asked one of the boys.

“Familiarizing themselves with the situation,” was the Professor’s response.

“See them, they are lying down. What is that for?”

“Probably one of the guards has noticed them.”

“It looks to me as though all the guards are asleep.”

“That is exactly the thing they are waiting for.”

Occasionally there would be some guttural exclamations, on the part of the savages, and at no time was there complete silence. The waiting was the most trying part of the business. For over an hour the watchers sat silent, and there was scarcely a movement on the part of John or Stut.

The positions of both John and Stut were carefully noted, so their movements could be traced. About three o’clock one of the guards arose and walked over to the place occupied by them, and, after a few words, which were plainly heard by the boys, although the language was not recognized, Stut arose, and took the place of the guard. Two others did likewise; and now there was another period of inaction.

“They are now waiting until the last guards have gone to sleep, before taking the next step.”

In less than an hour John was seen to rise from his position and slowly move toward Stut, and the quiet motions between the two showed that they were about ready to act.

Continually during this trying watch the white man could be seen moving about uneasily. His head would be raised occasionally, as though listening; but the three prisoners were bound together by the feet, so that they were lying, as it were, in a circle. The four guards, two of which were John and Stut, sat around, all of them nodding.

The moon, which had been out since midnight, made the motions of the actors plain enough for them to distinguish many things, but it was impossible from the position of the boys to learn all that did occur.

When the time for changing the guard took place, Stut was awake or placed himself in such a position that he was elected. He knew that being awake would be the signal for his selection, John, who was not more than ten feet away, also awake, was picked by Stut, and the two thus relieved retired at once.

Stut, knowing the language thoroughly, encouraged the two remaining guards to continue their naps, while John, who was next to Stut, and near the head of the white man, after everything had again quieted down, began to attract the attention of the captive.

He finally turned his face to John, and the latter held up a warning finger, which, for the moment stunned him, but this was understood, as John stealthily drew out a knife. The man was bound with his hands behind him, and was lying on his side.

After a few cautious movements he succeeded in drawing up the bound wrists close to the shoulders, thus bringing the cords near enough, so that John had an opportunity to sever them. This being done, there was quiet for a time. The man seized the knife which was pushed over, and without any waste of time, cut the cords which joined him to his captives.

The two who were with him saw the act, and the white man held his fingers to his lips. They understood, but were considerably surprised to see Stut in the same act of sending a warning. The man pushed over the knife with his foot, and one of them, after considerable wriggling, secured it and instantly cut his companions’ cords.

It was now but the work of a moment to free the other, and the three unbound captives lay there, while Stut pointed to John, in order to indicate that the two were associated. Stut acted like a trump in this emergency. He was at home in the proceedings, and had probably assisted in work of this kind before.

John and Stut slowly rose, and signaled the captives to do so. To show how every feature of this business had been considered by John, it should be stated that instead of making an immediate rush for liberty, that event was delayed for an age, as the boys thought.

The Professor enlightened the boys on this point. “If your limbs are held in one position for any length of time, they ‘go to sleep,’ it is said. In other words, the positions of the limbs are usually such that the blood ceases to circulate, and it becomes congested, producing a sort of paralysis, and in that condition the muscles and the nerves are affected. If they had tried to escape the moment the cords were cut this temporary derangement might have prevented them from moving away rapidly.”

The captives arose, and the two guards were still oblivious of the situation. Stepping lightly along between the sleeping warriors John and Stut at first led the way, followed as quietly by the captives, and when clear of the guard John and Stut allowed the captives to lead.

Before they reached the last row of the sleepers, one of the guards awoke, and seeing no captives there, and only a single guard at his side, arose suddenly, and his eyes fell on the retreating band. A terrific shriek followed, and without waiting a moment the three captives were urged forward, while John and Stut followed after and began to shoot arrows toward the fleeing parties.

They bounded forward in the joy of their freedom, and the Professor and the boys could hardly restrain themselves at the success of the enterprise. They made straight in the direction of the boys, and at the Professor’s suggestion they allowed them to pass alongside, not more than twenty feet away.

After they had passed the Professor motioned to the boys to trail them, and after following the rescued ones for several hundred feet the Professor called out in a suppressed voice: “Wait, you need not go any farther. Keep quiet, we are your friends.”

The white man grasped the nearest fellow and urged him to stop, and he did so, but the other continued on.

Now let us observe the tactics followed by John. When the three captives were beyond the confines of the camp, and well on to the position occupied by the Professor’s party, John knew the latter would be able to cope with the situation.

Arresting Stut in the pursuing movement, he turned and held up his hand as a warning to the savages who were arming and following. In an instant Stut divined the trick, and, calling back, said that there was a large party of their attackers in front.

This caused a decided halt in the rush of their followers. Taking advantage of this, the two moved forward in an apparently cautious manner until they had reached the place formerly occupied by the Professor, and then darting north, were soon in sight of the boys, who had charge of the man and one of the native captives.

“Let us go to the left to avoid them. In that way they will not discover the location of the wagon.”

A detour was made, but it was done in as quiet a manner as possible, and both reached the Professor and his party before they got to the wagon.

When the white captive heard the Professor’s words he stopped in surprise. Turning to see who had addressed him he rushed to grasp the Professor’s hand, and saw the boys approaching. “This is too good to be true. Who were the savages that rescued us?”

“We will let you know in time. We must now hurry forward. Your rescuers will come up in time.” And without waiting for further words the Professor led the way to the wagon, only to be met by John and Stut, as before stated.

When the wagon was reached they saw the captive which had gone on ahead skulking around the wagon, and Stut rushed forward talking excitedly as he followed him. The captive stood still while he went up and put his arms around him and led him forward. Stut was happy beyond expression, and tried to explain the situation to John.

CHAPTER VIII

THE RESCUED CHIEF MURO

“But we must be on the alert, as our enemies will try and hunt us up as soon as they find how they have been tricked,” said John. Blakely was supplied with a gun, and Stut’s friends each presented with a bow and a spear.

The spears were not the savage-made variety, but were long, and of tough steel, the staffs being of shell-bark hickory, and the delight of the two warriors in handling the weapons was plainly shown in their actions.

The force in their front numbered fully a hundred. They still had to be reckoned with. There was no evidence to the savages that the whites had anything to do with the rescue, and they believed that the Saboros had effected the release.

“Well, if this isn’t an ingenious arrangement,” said Blakely, as he walked around and examined the fort. “You must have had an interesting time here. How long have you been on the island, Professor?”

“Nearly fifteen months. You landed about the same time, judging from John’s story.”

“I don’t want to interrupt,” said John, “but I have a little plan that should be carried out at once.”

“Go on,” said the Professor. “After what you have done to-night everybody ought to be willing to listen to you.”

“I have not yet had an opportunity to say that directly to the southeast of us, and not a half mile away, is a river. Beyond the river, probably three or four miles to the southeast, is a village, which, I take it, is the home of the tribe which has just been entertaining you,” and he looked at Blakely with a smile.

“If you are able to talk with Stut and his friends better than I can we might learn in what direction their tribe is located, and if the village is between us and their friends, we might move our camp to-night to the other side of the river, and thus get between the village and the warriors.”

Blakely listened intently, and replied: “I know where the Saboro village is; we shall have to go directly south to reach them. The tribe from which you rescued us is called the Brabos. Somewhere to the southeast of them are the Kurabus, the meanest devils of the lot, outside of the Tuolos on the western shore.”

“Why Chump and his friends are Saboros, so we have two hostile tribes before we can reach aid in that quarter. Do you know,” said John, continuing, “anything about the Osagas?”

He reflected a while, and then answered: “I am not so sure, but they are to the south and still farther to the west, but the route would be inaccessible for the wagon from this point, on account of the immense forest which is in the way. I know something about that forest, as it sheltered me for the greater part of a year.

“We have very many interesting things to talk about, but we must not delay the contemplated movement another moment.”

The Professor gave the word of command, and the celerity with which the taking up of the fort and storing it away was accomplished was a delight no less to the rescued warriors than it was to Blakely. The wagon was headed for the southeast, and John, beckoning to Stut and his relative, started out ahead. The other Saboro ran forward and begged to be allowed to accompany them, and John willingly assented.

Directing the Saboros, by motioning, to scatter to the right and to the left of him, the four formed a guard for the wagon, and in their movement to the river the Saboros kept John in sight.

“Fortunately this is not a deep stream, and we will not have difficulty in crossing,” said Blakely.

“That doesn’t trouble us in the least,” answered Harry. “We use the fort sections as floats.”

Blakely eyed Harry for a moment. “Do you mean that you ford the deepest streams with these cattle?”

“Why we have forded the West River with this outfit several times”

“What, the West River, New York?”

Harry laughed: “I had forgotten; we call the big river to the west of us the West. And we have also the South and the Cataract rivers, way to the east of this.”

Blakely looked at Harry in astonishment. The boys had cut poles under the Professor’s directions, and were now trying the depth of the stream.

“It’s all right,” cried out Ralph; “bring them along.” And Harry drove the team down and over the stream, and before they had gone a mile the first indications of the morning sun began to appear over the mountain tops to the east.

“Move the wagon over to the right, and put up the fort the moment we find the camping spot,” was John’s injunction, as he and the Saboros plunged ahead in that direction.

John halted at a stream, and pointed out an admirable place for the wagon. Again the process of erecting the fort was gone over, and the Saboros witnessed the first installation of it.

“Now, for some breakfast,” said George. “This work makes a fellow hungry.” Angel was at hand, as he always was at the preparation of the meal, and the Saboros watched the work, and particularly the part that Angel took, with eyes and mouths open. For the first time they had seen the orang doing duty at command. George saw their surprise and he kept Angel busy.

It was just as interesting to Blakely. He could hardly credit the stories that Harry and Tom told him on the ride down to the river. Just imagine four boys, in all the exuberance of youth, telling about the home they had built up from absolutely nothing. How they had found simply the crude things about them, and had fashioned all the needed things for life from its primitive condition to one of perfection; it was hardly believable.

The poor Saboros were almost starved, and they looked it, too. Blakely had not been in captivity very long on this occasion, so that he was not so emaciated. The savages, however, are able to withstand bodily privations for a long period without becoming exhausted, but the food obtained at this early meal was one which they never forgot.

As soon as the meal was over John signaled to Stut, and he in turn, motioning to his fellows, formed a picket line to the north in expectation of the savages; but they did not return, and night set in without seeing them. George sent Angel to the treetop frequently for information, a proceeding which was just as much a wonder to the two Saboros as his service in helping with the meal.

Blakely could hardly contain himself, as he saw and heard the different things, and he particularly admired the wagon, declaring it was as strongly built as any he had ever seen. Without the wagon it would have been a foolhardy task for six men to boldly march into a country populated as the island was.