“When George reached the limb which Angel occupied, the latter was jubilant in his expressions of pleasure”
From the position of the wagon it was impossible to see very far beyond the clearing, and they had no means of knowing how far the attacking party had gone. The first step of the Professor was to bring in the two severely wounded men, and administer to them.
One was found to be beyond hope, but the other did not appear to be struck in a vital spot. The other two, less severely wounded, were brought up and made comfortable outside of the fort, and so arranged that any attack of their enemies would bring them within line of the arrows.
The proceeding to dress the wounds was looked at in astonishment by the three unfortunates. They did not expect such care from their enemies. It was not their way. As soon as they had been made comfortable, John proceeded to interrogate them, to the best of his ability.
They could understand some words, and slowly the facts were brought out. In substance, the savages had knowledge of the existence of the white people on the island, and had by some means learned the location. When the Professor and the boys landed the first home built was near the landing place, but it was unsuited to their needs, as fresh water was not obtainable.
After some time they discovered a small stream, which they eventually christened Cataract River, because they located their permanent home at a cataract about a quarter of a mile from the sea, and it was at this place that they put up the water wheel, and erected the workshop.
From John’s interpretations of the captives’ stories, all the savage tribes were now aware of the existence of the colony, and of the fights which had taken place near West River, but there was not sufficient cohesion among the different tribes, to form a bond of unity, so that two of the most powerful, or warlike, tribes had finally joined hands, and this accounted for the appearance of the bands from two different sources.
“I notice,” said the Professor, “that the headdresses worn by these people are different from any that we have yet come into contact with. Do you think you could draw from them any information which would enable us to determine whether the Chief’s tribe has joined them?”
“That is just what I have been trying to discover,” replied John. “I endeavored to describe the tribe by the location, but, as you may have noticed, we do not get along very brilliantly. The two that George and I met this afternoon were from a tribe that I know of; but this fellow here belongs to an entirely different people.”
The Professor turning to Harry said: “You will notice that the headdress of this one is similar to those we took from the first one shot in the second day’s fight. Under the circumstances we have definite knowledge of at least five tribes.”
“I will try to get some idea as to the number they have,” and turning to the more intelligent of the two, he tried to make himself understood, but at best it was only indefinite, as to numbers.
The characteristic feature of one of the headdresses was the curly hair, and this indicated that the enemy of that tribe was to the west, and clearly pointed out that neither of the two bands attacking them were the captors of Ralph and Tom.
“I am going to ask them the name of the tribe from which the hair was taken,” and pointing at the black curly hair, the captive pronounced the name “Tuolo.” This was instantly recognized by Tom, although he could not before that time recall the proper word.
“He says the name of his tribe is ‘Kurabu,’ and those from the south are the ‘Saboros.’ It would be well to remember those names, as it may come in handy hereafter. I suppose Ralph and Tom will have no trouble in recognizing the Tuolos.”
“For my part,” said Harry, “the people who sport the dark-brown hair in this fellows’ head-piece will be recognized by me from this time on, the Saboros, because they are the first ones who attacked us.”
This was really the case, so that it was obvious that the two tribes who had attacked them were not the ones they had the former battles with, and things began to assume a very grave aspect.
The chief referred to by John, in the former conversation, was wounded by them and captured in their former trip, and after his wounded legs had healed, had left them, and returned to his tribe, much to their regret. They had treated him handsomely, and grew to like him, as he showed many desirable traits. He belonged to the particular faction which had captured John, and was recognized by him when memory returned, and they had hoped that he would not forget them.
The serious aspect of the case was, that the Chief had not returned, nor was there any evidence that he was grateful for the interest which was taken in him.
The captives were constantly under guard, and provided with food, but during the entire night three kept guard constantly, to see that they did not communicate with each other.
The savages were entirely out of sight, and there was no indication that they were in the vicinity, and past midnight, John silently stole from the wagon and made his way across the clearing. He was absent more than an hour, until all began to be alarmed, but his return was so quiet that he was almost at the wagon before he was observed.
“What have you learned?” was the Professor’s eager question.
“They are still guarding our camp, and intend to fight it out, if my observations are of any value. It is my opinion that they are waiting for the appearance of additional warriors. In any event, we must prepare for the fight of our lives.”
Before morning came one of the wounded savages died, thus leaving three still on their hands, and it began to be a problem what to do in this emergency. They now knew, undoubtedly, where the Cataract home was, and the boys worried because they did not want them to destroy that, and while the siege was in progress some of the band might go there and wreck it.
“This is a situation which demands our most careful consideration,” said the Professor, gravely. “We have considerable at stake, and may be able to keep them interested here, and probably in time get them to understand what our intentions are.”
John and the Professor debated the matter during the entire night, except when John was on the scouting trip, and during such little snatches of sleep as they were able to take. There appeared to be nothing to do but to resist to the utmost of their power, and all felt able to do this successfully, unless something unforeseen should intervene.
When the gray light began to show in the east, George was busy preparing the morning meal, and it was fully eight o’clock before the savages showed themselves for the first time. They were seen on all sides of the wagon, but at distances out of gunshot range.
John again had an interview with the captives, and endeavored to make them understand that they did not wish to attack them, and had no hostile intentions; but all efforts of that character were soon found to be fruitless.
The day wore on, and no attack was made. They undoubtedly saw the disposition which had been made of the three captives, and this, unquestionably, deterred them from making an attack.
“What shall we do after to-morrow for water? We have only enough to last us and the yaks for about twenty-four hours more,” asked Harry.
“How far is it to the river?” asked George. The Professor and John both judged the distance to be less than a half mile.
They all looked at each other, and read the import of the question in each other’s eyes. Should they make a fight to reach the river? With water they could defy the natives. It was a conclusion reached after a great deal of speculation.
When night came, and quiet again settled down, preparations were made for the transport of the wagon to the river. It was fortunate that the moon was not shining, but the night was clear, and this added some danger to the situation. At midnight, the yaks were unhitched, and the section nearest the forward end of the wagon pushed aside to permit them to pass through.
When they were yoked up, two of the captives were tied to the seat on the tailboard, and the top covering of the wagon raised sufficiently to enable them to manipulate the guns. The fort sections were secured in place, and quietly the wagon went forward.
They were as secure in the wagon as they had been in the fort, and the only danger was to the team, which might be struck by arrows, or they might be shrewd enough to aim at the animals, and thus prevent further progress.
“I fear,” said John, “that we shall have difficulty in guiding the animals through the brush, and I will lead them.”
This proposal was opposed by all, and he reluctantly consented to remain in the wagon. “I know,” answered Harry, “that I can see well enough to get us safely through, and it will be better to go slowly than to take such a big risk.”
The march began, and to their surprise, it was not answered by a shout or a shot. The savages had disappeared entirely. But before they had proceeded a quarter of a mile, the shouts and answering cries of the savages could be plainly heard.
“We have, unaccountably, gotten through their guard,” cried John, as he leaped from the wagon. “Follow me as fast as you can.” He sprang in front of the yaks to direct the way, and Harry urged the team forward as fast as the nature of the ground would permit, following closely on the heels of John.
The demons were coming on now in earnest, and could not be far behind, and they must have gone fully a half mile, with no river in sight. Suddenly John reappeared at the side of the wagon, and said: “Drive to the left for the open space. There is a brook there, and it will suit us just as well as the river.”
The wagon was rushed to the open space, and down to the little stream which came from the southwest. Without hesitating a moment John ordered the fort sections to be replaced, and heeding the practice lessons which they had exercised over and over again, before starting out, they were prepared, in less than three minutes, for the foe.
The besiegers again surrounded them, but evidently feared to attack. The first care of Harry was to provide the animals with fresh water. The two captives were again placed outside of the fort in a position where they could be easily guarded.
While so disposing the prisoners, George picked up a trinket that had fallen from one of them, who tried to recover it. It was a blue stone, and he noticed that the other prisoner also carried a stone of the same character. Each had a groove midway between the ends, to receive the cord which held it in place.
“What do you suppose they carry these things for?” asked George, as he exhibited the stone.
“They use them to ward off evil. It is remarkable,” answered the Professor, “that the Hindoos consider the turquoise as a sure guard against sudden or violent death.”
“That also reminds me,” said John, “that the belief is a common one throughout all Asiatic countries. Even at the present time almost all Russian officers wear the turquoise as a talisman against fate.”
“What is meant by talisman?”
“In all Oriental countries a figure cut in stone, metal, or any other material, and which, when made with particular ceremonies and under peculiar astrological circumstances, is supposed to possess certain virtues, but chiefly that of averting disease. Most savage tribes have some sort of charms or objects which are held in reverence, and the stone before you is a sample of this belief in the most remote parts of the world.”
“What do you think he will do if I fail to give it back to him! He made a fight for it when I picked it up.”
“No doubt, he will think it is all over with him. We may be able to use the stone advantageously,” remarked John, as he held out his hand. George passed it to him with a smile. He had not thought of that.
There was no sleep the rest of the night. The excitement was too intense. To the boys it was a period of experience they never forgot. The position was excellently chosen, although it was hurriedly done. The stream was only twenty feet away, and water was thus available whenever needed.
The savages understood this move beyond question; when the morning broke, the clear spaces up and down the stream, afforded no lurking places, and within ten feet of the end of the wagon was a tall juniper tree, the branches of which were within ten feet of the ground.
Occasionally only could a warrior be seen, skulking from one point to the next, but beyond that there was nothing to give any indication of the number they had to contend with.
Nearly the entire forenoon passed without any action on the part of the besiegers. Angel had kept closely within the enclosure, but now he spied the juniper tree, and it was not long before his native instinct to climb, got the better of him, and he bounded over the side of the fort, and gracefully swung upwardly from branch to branch.
He then proceeded to do something that the boys had never witnessed before. These animals make seats from the boughs of the trees, and construct them so deftly that in a few moments will have a most comfortable chair. In their native state this has often been noticed by travelers.
Angel started to do this as soon as he had landed at the highest point. Ralph and Tom were very much interested in him from the first and when the seat-weaving operation began, Tom cried out: “Watch Angel; what is he doing? Look at him breaking the branches and twisting them!”
It was a curious sight to the other boys, as well. When the seat was ready, he settled himself in place, with all the ease imaginable.
George, whose particular pet Angel had always been, jumped with delight. “Why wouldn’t that be a good place from which to watch the savages?”
Without another word, he was over the side wall, after strapping the gun to his back, and the rough bark gave him sufficient hold to make his way upwardly toward Angel, who, in the meantime, at the sight of George, began his peculiar chuckling sound that always indicated pleasure.
When George reached the limb which Angel occupied the latter was jubilant in his expressions of pleasure; and then the animal did another thing which amused all of the watchers. The moment George had seated himself on the limb Angel left the seat and moved farther out.
George kept on talking, and Angel again moved to the seat and sat down momentarily, and then left it as before, and this was repeated several times. The Professor called up: “Don’t you see he is offering you his chair!” and all burst into laughter.
George took the hint at once, and as soon as he was in position the action of Angel showed only too plainly that he was pleased at the acceptance of the invitation, and proceeded immediately to build another seat. This gave George an opportunity to learn the method by which the animals intuitively acquire the well-known art, which is unique, even in the monkey tribe.
This little incident afforded only momentary relaxation to the tension caused by their surroundings.
“What can you see?” asked John.
“I can see them all,” he answered, “and they know it. I imagine Angel and his gun was a big surprise to them.”
Some months previous to the start on this trip, Angel was seen practicing with an imaginary gun, darting to and fro, as though sighting and eluding enemies, as he had seen the boys do, and his antics were so amusing, that George made a gun, which was presented to him.
Its possession was an infinite source of delight to him, and he was never without it in his hands, and the surprising thing was, it did not in any way interfere with his climbing of trees. To show how highly developed were his imitative qualities, it will be remembered that a number of extra guns were made, and when either went on a trip which was hazardous two guns were always taken along, one of which was strapped to the back.
This was noticed by him, and he tried in several ways, which were perceived by George, to supply this deficiency in his gun equipment; so that a strap was given him, and fitted to the gun, and with the new arrangement of his weapon, he would take off the gun and put it back again, and chuckle while doing it.
When George climbed the tree his gun was strapped on, and Angel strapped on his, and as soon as the new seat was made, and George was ready to view the surroundings, he took the gun from his back, and Angel did likewise.
This act, as afterwards learned from the savages, had the most remarkable impression on them. They knew the orang, and all his ways, but here was one of them, possessed of a gun, and to all intents as able to use it as the white man beside him in the tree. Of course, they had no means of knowing that Angel’s gun was merely an imitation of the real article.
“Count them, if you can. It will be interesting to know how many we are up against,” said Harry.
George scanned the field to the southeast, so as to take in all those on the same side of the river on which they were encamped. “I can see forty-two. Now let us see how many are on the other side.” In a few moments he continued: “There are only thirty.”
“Can you distinguish,” asked John, “whether all of the same tribe are on this side, or are the two peoples mixed up, some on one side, and some on the other?”
“I shall have to study that for a little. They are hiding now, so it is difficult to get a good look. I have seen only three, so far, with distinctive clearness, to be able to judge, but I think the Kurabus are on our side of the stream.”
“I am glad to know that,” continued John. “It is a good indication that they are not any too friendly with each other.” Then, calling up to George, he added: “Be very particular to look up and down stream, and tell me if you see any crossing and recrossing.”
The boys did not question John’s motives in giving George those injunctions.
“Would there by any objection if I should go up the tree and stay with George?” asked Ralph.
“Not in the least,” answered the Professor, and John gave a smiling assent to the question.
“While I am about it, I might as well take a rope along, so we can have a more easy way to get up.”
“Splendid idea,” responded John, “and before you go let me make a sailor’s ladder, which you can loop over the first limb, and thus make an easy route for our scouts.” So saying, he neatly tied and knotted the rope, and Ralph leaped over the fort, and had no trouble in making his way to the first limb, and after he had secured the rope ladder, ascended to the limb which George and Angel occupied.
The arrival of Ralph was another occasion for the peculiar chuckle on the part of Angel, and before Ralph arrived, Angel was off his seat, and began the weaving act for an additional seat, and he worked so rapidly that by the time Ralph came up the seat was ready.
George heartily welcomed Ralph. They were chums, just as Harry and Tom had grown to be particularly fond of each other.
It was now an easy matter to gain access to the tree; but John still facilitated this, when he suggested that the wagon be drawn over to the tree, and as the low top of the wagon was over eight feet high, there was no more trouble to ascend the tree than to get over the fort.
As the day passed the watchers in the top kept a sharp lookout for signs of communication between the tribes on the opposite sides of the river.
One of the savages first wounded began to show alarming symptoms and, as the Professor stated, there was every indication of blood poisoning, which was indicated by the high fever. Before evening the symptoms became more pronounced.
The bullet wound was near the hip, and in making the examination was found to be very much inflamed. George was present, and inquired: “What is it that causes the inflammation?”
“The local inflammation near the wound is produced by the tissues absorbing blood in excess, and the result is that the vessels containing the blood are so modified as to permit an unusually large amount of the watery portion of the blood to pass through the walls of the veins and arteries. This entirely disorganizes the orderly manner of carrying out the function of the blood, and it is shown by the high fever and redness exhibited.”
“Is that the same as blood poisoning?”
“That is quite a different matter. This man has what is called septic fever, which is produced by an infection of the system from bacterial germs, which were produced by the wound, so that the blood carried the germs throughout the body, and produced what is called a toxic condition. Toxic means poison, or poisoned state. When the blood is thus affected it is unable to do its proper duty, and a high heat is produced within.”
“But why is it that he has chills and then a fever?”
“During the time that the fever is rising the heat produced exceeds the heat lost. If the rise is very rapid, as in this case, the blood is withdrawn from the skin, and this withdrawal diminishes the loss of heat, which gives rise to a cold sensation or chill, and is combined, very frequently, with an attack of shivering.”
It was not considered advisable for either of the boys to remain in the tree during the night, and as soon as it was dark Tom and Harry, who were then on watch, descended, and preparations were made for the night watch.
Shortly after midnight, John took only one of the guns, and also selecting one of the bows, and several arrows, from those which were taken from the wounded captives, started out on a tour of investigation.
In an hour a series of shouts and cries disturbed the silent night. It was the cry of the warriors on the north side of the stream.
Harry, who was one of the watchers with Tom, called to his companion: “Did you hear that? I wonder if John is in trouble?” The sounds were repeated, and finally reechoed by those on the south side of the river. Everything seemed to be confusion, and the sound of tramping feet in the distance became plain.
The Professor was wakened, and the situation explained. “Hasn’t John returned? How long has he been away? Which direction did he take?” The questions were hurriedly asked, and when the boys stated that he had disappeared in the direction that the sounds came from, the matter took on a very much more serious aspect.
All crowded around the Professor, and one suggestion after the other was made, first as to the cause of the uproar, and then as to the condition of John.
“It is evident that the cause of the alarm comes through John, but how he has caused the difficulty, or what his motive is, I do not know. I cannot advise any of you to put yourselves in danger at this time.”
The tumult increased, and it appeared that the sounds moved near to the stream north of their position. While thus speculating Harry noticed a movement close to the clearing and near the fringe, along the stream. It was someone stealthily crawling along, and coming toward the wagon.
“Shall I fire?” asked Tom. The Professor held up a restraining hand. “Wait until we see what the object is.”
Coming nearer, a savage was plainly seen with his distinctive headdress, and he was now within thirty feet of the wagon. The boys were shocked to see John’s gun strapped on the warrior’s shoulder, as he carried a bow in one hand. A few feet farther and he stood up, and held up an outstretched hand, and uttered the words: “Keep quiet.”
It was John.
The relief almost caused a shout; but they remembered the injunction, and restrained themselves. In a moment more he was in the wagon; and the inevitable questions began.
“Where had he gone? What was the trouble in the camps?” and many others of like import were hurled at him.
“Let me tell the story in my own way,” he finally replied. “I had my reasons for believing that not the best fellowship, existed between our besiegers, and that was the reason I asked George to keep a sharp lookout to see whether they intermingled during the day.
“When I left the wagon I took with me the headdress of the savage on the other side of the wagon, one of the Saboros, and also the bow and arrows. I approached the Kurabus on the other side, and after stalking one of their sentries, I shot him with the arrow, which also belonged to the same tribe—the Saboros; the shot merely disabled him temporarily, and he gave the alarm, as I knew he would.
“I purposely dropped my headdress near his body, and seized his—the one I now have, together with his bow and arrows, and stole away. I remained in the near vicinity until the cries of the wounded man brought his friends, and there were the telltale Saboro arrow and headdress, and believing that the work was one of their confederates on the other side of the river, the general alarm was given, which resulted in the first cries you heard.
“I had just crossed the stream, when the first of the Saboros came up, and he was no doubt one of the scouts of their party. Taking the first advantage, and before the main portion of the warriors came up, I shot the one nearest me with the arrow I had taken from the Kurabus, and stunned him into insensibility as he fell, and I dragged his body up to within seventy-five feet of the wagon.”
The boys looked admiringly at John.
“They will have some time in explaining the mystery. One of the tribe on the other side was shot, and one of the savages on this side is missing. Each will blame the other, and we may expect some lively times in the morning.”
John was right, for when morning broke, and before either of the boys could make his way to the treetop, there was an unusual commotion among the savages. Harry and Tom were up in the tree without a moment’s loss of time, and the uproar was apparent to them at once.
“They are after each other. The Kurabus are about to attack the Saboros. Shall we take a hand?” cried Tom.
“By no means,” responded the Professor. “Let us know just what they are doing.”
Those in the wagon could now see the Kurabus cross the stream. They were numerically stronger than the Saboros, and there was now an opportunity to witness the tactics of the savages.
John could not resist the opportunity of going up into the tree to witness the combat. The attacking party skulked forward, after crossing, and dodged from tree to tree, and as fast as an advance was made the smaller party retreated, and took up position in a strong line of bush, well within sight of the tree.
A volley of arrows was the first signal for attack, and this was answered, the parties now being close enough to enable them to do some execution. The attacking party first scattered out in a line, and the Saboros immediately advanced with a rush, for the center of the position held by their enemies.
“That was a shrewd move on the part of the Saboros. See the scattered fellows trying to get away.” They were plainly being driven toward the direction of the wagon, but before reaching the stream near the wagon, crossed, and the Saboros now rushed after, attacking with their spears as they ran.
The Kurabus retreated to the northeast, as they were now cut off from going southwest along the line of the stream, and part of their force was plainly visible to the left and in the rear of the victorious party. Within an hour they saw the last of the pursuers disappearing to the northeast.
This unexpected turn to the affairs, was received with jubilant shouts from those in the treetop, when they announced the result of the fight.
Just as they were descending, Ralph, who was the last to go down, cried out: “Wait, look to the south. More of them, and they are coming directly toward us.”
John saw them, and returned to his position, calling out to those below: “Keep quiet, and do not respond to the attack. They belong to the defeated party. Undoubtedly, a part of their band.”
The shouts of the boys, so incautiously given, startled the oncoming savages, and they stopped. From their position it was impossible to see the wagon, and they did not notice the watchers in the trees.
After a moment’s halt they again came forward, and as they appeared at the clearing, caught sight of the peculiar fort structure in their way, and also saw the captives on the ground. For a moment there was consternation among them.
“I can see thirty of them, and if they go around us they will come on the trail of the party to the north, and probably will discover what has happened to them,” said John.
They were now close enough to be within range of the guns. In fact, they were near enough to use their arrows effectively, if the whites had exposed themselves. The Professor raised himself above the fort, and motioned to them, in the hope that it would cause them to desist from any further attack.
At the same time he pointed to the north, and at this motion, they drew back, and John reported that the band was making a circle around to the left. They had understood the motion, as it appeared, and, in accordance with the expectations of John and the Professor, the battle on the brink of the stream, and the discovery of the wounded, was sufficient to give them the information that their friends were being driven to the north by their late allies.
The Kurabus quickly learned from their wounded friend, the status of the quarrel, and there was a long consultation, before any action was taken.
“We do not seem to be making much headway in getting intimately acquainted with our friends on the island. We have only two things open to us. One is to proceed to the southwest, and meet the tribes living there, or to follow up the warring parties, and endeavor to establish relations with them in some manner,” was the Professor’s view of the situation.
At this juncture John descended from the tree. “I am of the opinion that the newly arrived band will follow up and try to aid their friends. The serious thing to my mind is, the thought that as they now know our location at the Cataract, one or the other party will go there and destroy everything.”
“Can you make out enough from the fellows’ answers outside to assure yourself that they were on their way to attack us there?”
“I am convinced of that,” answered John.
“I think it is our duty to return there at once,” was the Professor’s reply.
There was a unanimous assent to this proposal. It was now about ten o’clock, and George, in the treetop, called down: “They are going to the northeast.”
“Just as I expected. Keep a watch on them until they disappear, and in the meantime let us get the wagon ready.”
Tom descended to aid in the work, and the fort sections were put into place on the wagon, the yaks yoked on, and the two savages put aboard.
“They have gone, and are after their friends as fast as they can travel,” said George, as he descended, and took the rope off the last limb.
The team was directed due north, and it was a gratifying surprise to find that they were less than a quarter of a mile from the South River. The fort sections were applied at once, and without mishap the wagon was floated across, so that temporarily, at least, they were free from the savages.
“Now, let us drive through the forest and go directly north until we come within sight of the sea, then follow that along to the east, and if there is a meeting between the two hostile parties it will delay the victorious side long enough to permit us to get there ahead of them.”
This suggestion was considered a wise solution, as that route was well known to them, and it also kept them out of any possible path that the savages might take to reach the Cataract house.
“Drive them up as fast as possible, Harry. We cannot afford to consider the animals now.” John and Tom took up the lead to point out the most desirable trails, and it kept them both moving at a lively rate.
After they had gone about four miles, Ralph ran forward and insisted that he and George would take up the advance, and prevailed on John and Tom to take their places in the wagon. The distance chosen was farther than by a direct route to the northeast, but they could not afford to be again thrown into the paths of the conflicting tribes.
The Cataract River was crossed, which they knew was about ten miles from the home at the Cataract, and after the yaks had rested a few moments the flight was continued, and within an hour and a half could see Observation Hill, and a little beyond the position was such that a more or less clear view could be obtained of the region directly south of the Cataract.
Ralph, whose eyesight was particularly good, climbed a tree, in the most advantageous position, and surveyed the south and southeast. “I cannot see a sign of them anywhere in the direction of South River.”
“Then it is reasonably sure the last band has caught up, and they may possibly be having their argument to settle the supremacy,” responded John.
But they still had several hours’ hard travel before them, because the country was now more hilly and difficult through which to move the wagon. As they approached near to their home the team was driven close to the sea, and at the first easy descent the yaks were urged down to the narrow beach which lined the shore for the last two miles of the journey.
“Harry, you and Tom take charge of the team, and we will remain on the upland and follow along, so that we may watch for any signs of them coming across the hills.”
The Professor’s injunction was followed without a word. The traveling was good on the beach, and before long the team came to the mouth of the river, and, hiding behind the shelter of the hills, awaited the appearance of the rest of the party.
As they came up John hurriedly said: “Let us cross the stream here, while we have the opportunity, and we can approach the house in the shelter of the cliffs for a part of the way at least.”
The raft sections were at once applied, and the entire party floated across, much relieved to find they were home before any signs were noticed of either attacking party.
The cattle were still there, and everything about the premises showed that there had been no disturbance during the absence.
“I suggest,” was John’s first proposal, “that we conceal the wagon, and take our places in the main house. This will give them the idea that we have not returned, and will put some of them, at least, within our power.”
The wagon was run behind the shop, so they could not see it by any possible approach that might be made in attacking.
Their home consisted of one main building, containing four rooms, adjoining the original structure which had three smaller rooms. Distant from this, and less than fifty feet away was the shop and laboratory, adjoining the Cataract itself, and at one end of the shop was the sawmill. Below the shop was the rough building put up for the cattle, and adjoining this was a shed designated as the boathouse, and within which were the original boat they made, together with the lifeboat which was found on South River, and also the wrecked after part of their lifeboat.
“If I could only make the captive we have understand the subject a little better, we might still be in a position to get on treaty terms with the devils, but he seems to be too dense to understand
my meaning.” But nevertheless John worked with him hour after hour, and the savage was not now loth to make himself more agreeable.
It was nearing five o’clock, and still no signs of either of the tribes. It might be possible they would not come, after all. A watch was kept up all night, two taking their turns every two hours, as all were tired from the two days’ exertions.
Morning appeared, and still there was nothing to indicate the intention of the natives to visit them. John had discovered that the Saboros learned of their existence from a neighboring tribe, and had joined forces with the Kurabus, who were also contemplating an expedition against them.
He also succeeded in drawing from him that the two tribes had not been on the best of terms, and was not surprised at the turn of affairs, and of course John did not explain the cause of the quarrel and fight in the forest. All hoped the Saboros would win in the fight, as the ability of John and the savage to make each understood might be the means of making friends of them.
Angel was in his glory again. He romped about careless and free. Enemies did not seem to trouble him. George almost hugged him, as he spoke of the hint which he had so opportunely given in climbing the tree.
The Professor smiled at the remembrance, as he said: “That might be called the ‘tree of life’ in our case. It has been said that trees and wood saved the world twice.”
“How?” asked several of the boys in concert.
“John Evelyn said, ‘Trees and woods have twice saved the world, first by the Ark, then by the cross; making full amends for the evil fruit of the tree in Paradise, by that which was borne on the tree at Golgotha’”
The appointments of the house curiously interested the savages, and they were the more astonished when the evening meal was set before them. Shortly after the meal the cocoanut-oil lamps were brought out by George, but their use was forbidden, as it would not be prudent to illuminate the place.
When the savage saw the oil he was interested at once, and John, who was ever on the alert to notice any of his actions, quietly requested George to give him some of it.
To the surprise of all, the savage put it on his face, and rubbed it in with considerable satisfaction. The boys looked at John inquiringly. “Does that surprise you?” he asked. “Do you know that savage is doing just what they were accustomed to do in Biblical times?”
“Do you mean,” asked Ralph, “that he was anointing himself?”
“Not exactly that, but he was doing what started the custom of covering the body with oil?”
“What was it done for originally?”
“Simply as a matter of health and comfort. Many tribes and peoples, civilized, as well as those lower in the scale, acquired the habit, using oils of various kinds, which prevented insects from attacking them. There are many plants which contain oils obnoxious, and some which are deadly, to animal pests, hence they were by this means freed from vermin; and in tropical countries all kinds abound.
“Later on the habit of anointing with oil took on a wider meaning. In a religious sense anyone consecrated with oil was set apart for a divine mission, and the more costly the oil the greater the degree of virtue imparted. Oil for the sanctuary was mixed with myrrh, cinnamon, calamus and cassia, as stated in Exodus, and, singularly, all these are obnoxious to insects.”
It will be remembered that among other things which were found in their investigations was the clove tree, and from this an extract had been made. The Professor looked at the savage approvingly, and immediately went to the laboratory, bringing a small bottle of the extract, and adding a quantity to the oil.
The savage was surprised and delighted at the perfume, and it was a proof, beyond question, that he understood its use in the sense that John had explained.
During the entire night a careful watch was again kept up, and all began to feel that their hurried retreat was an unnecessary precaution, but before the sun was up an hour, Harry, who was the early lookout, announced that they were in sight, and all hurriedly took positions, where they were concealed, and anxiously awaited their coming.
“Can you make out which tribe is after us?” asked the Professor.
“They are still too far off for me; possibly Ralph can distinguish them.”
“No; but they look more like the Saboros.”
“I am glad if that is the case.”
To the savages everything was quiet at the home and surroundings, and they came forward with rapid strides. “How many are there?” continued the Professor.
“About fifty.”
“Then they cannot be the Saboros?”
“Why do you think so?” asked George.
“If you recall, there were only forty-two of the Kurabus before we made the hurried retreat to the little stream, and there were but thirty of the Saboros; and as the former were reinforced by thirty more, it is obvious they have been victorious, and have lost some of their men in the fight, if one really took place.”
This seemed to be a reasonable conclusion, and it meant a fight without further parleying, so the party made arrangements accordingly.
The guns and ammunition were placed in reach, and were in condition, in the event the present store gave out, to make an additional supply; as they knew the shop could be easily guarded.
They approached unsuspectingly, and before nearing the house had to cross an open space. The two captives were placed in position so they could see the enemy, for it was now plainly seen they were not the Saboros, as they had hoped. The savages’ eyes kindled, as they witnessed their enemies moving into the opening, and when they had come within one hundred and fifty feet John turned to the Professor, who gave the order to fire.
The surprise and consternation depicted on their faces was beyond power to describe. Six fell at the volley, and the rush was instantly stopped. Three of them tried to rise, and their companions assisted them to the rear, carrying them along, in the rush to escape a further onslaught.
But the Professor and John had no desire to shed blood needlessly. The boys were not so considerate. The two captives were in the height of ecstasy at the sight. Before the attacking party had time to proceed far, the Professor emerged from the door, and with a raised hand beckoned to them; but his acts were not understood, or they purposely refused to consider the matter of entering into any terms.
All of them took up position at a safe distance, leaving the three fallen ones, who were, evidently, beyond all earthly help. It was regrettable that such a stern lesson was necessary, but the action of the savages was in line with the attitude of the other tribe who had persistently refused any compromises, either before or after the attacks.
“Why are they so persistent in refusing to talk to us?” asked Harry.
“We cannot understand the conditions under which these people have been conducting their warfares. It is obvious that neither regards the word of the other, and are ready at the first sign to open hostilities.”
“It appears to me,” remarked John, “that our only remedy in this matter is, if we make any further attempt at the rescue of our companions, to invade their country, and give them to understand that unless they return such captives as they have, we will fight them to the bitter end. They seem to have no idea that we desire peace, rather than war.”
The commotion among the warriors was now pronounced. The consultations were continuous, and they were not by any means harmonious. John took the two captives into consultation, in order to endeavor to find some means by which he could communicate through them with the besiegers.
One of the warriors shot was still moving, and John, beckoning to Ralph and Harry, opened the door, and said: “If we can get the badly wounded one in here, we may be able to open up a door of communication, as the savages we have here are certainly acquainted with each other’s language.”
They moved out to the open space, and the conferences of the savages beyond, instantly ceased. Without waiting for an examination he was lifted up and brought into the house, where the Professor examined the wounds.
Two shots had struck him, one through the groin, and the other in the arm. The Professor shook his head seriously. “I am afraid he is hopeless. It is a case of internal bleeding. Still it is our duty to aid him to the best of our ability. A wound in this place is not necessarily fatal, and the only danger is in the hemorrhages which, if unchecked, cause death.”
“A bullet wound,” added John, “is not as likely to be fatal as a knife wound.”
The boys looked at John in surprise, and, noticing it, continued: “The remark may seem strange to you, but when I referred to this I had reference only to the fear from hemorrhages, and my reason for saying so is, that in a rough or jagged wound the blood forms clots quicker than where there is a smooth cut; and where the injury is internal, or where it is impossible to manually check the flow of blood, the natural process of repair in the human body, by the formation of coagulated blood, frequently stops the flow.”
“What is it that causes the blood to thicken at the wound?”
“The moment blood ceases to flow, or is arrested at any point in the circulatory tracts, coagulation begins. It is for that reason the surgeon tightly binds the arm between the wound and the heart or checks the flow between the two points in the circulation. The cessation of movement immediately begins to thicken the blood, and in case of poisons the venom cannot reach the heart, and in wounds the tendency is to close up the ruptured veins or arteries.”
“I have noticed that when the hand is wounded the blood will soon get thick and stop to flow, and I suppose when it gets to the air the same thing happens to prevent a continual flow?”
“Yes; it is nature’s way of protecting in cases of injury.”
“Judging from the direction of the wound, the bullet has struck the spinal column,” continued the Professor.
“That is the view I took after seeing the wound,” responded John. “It was the only way I could account for his prostrated condition. A mere wound in the groin would not have made him so helpless.”
“Do you think,” asked Tom, “that the bullet could have gone into the backbone?”
“If such had been the case he would, in all probability, be dead by this time. A bullet of this size, striking the backbone, would be sufficient to cause partial paralysis, and if such is the case he will recover. The shock is sufficient to derange his system for a time.”
The patient was made as comfortable as possible, and in the course of two hours the Professor announced that the symptoms showed a marked improvement. The besieging party was still on the watch. But no further attack was made.
“There are many things which indicate to me a conflict of opinion among the attacking party,” remarked John. The boys crowded around him for an explanation.
“I give this opinion for several reasons: Their continual altercations show that they have no unity of purpose, and during all this time they have done nothing to investigate our position, and determine the best methods of approaching us other than the open. To the right is the river, and to our left the cliff ridge. If they were in concord with each other, the first thing they would do would be to make a careful survey of our surroundings.”
Notwithstanding the hostile tribe was in front of them to the south, the boys went around the place with perfect safety, as they knew their protecting guns were sufficient guarantees to prevent a close approach.
What would the night bring forth? What steps would be taken by their enemies? All awaited anxiously the condition of the captive Kurabu. It was evident from the Saboro’s expression that there was no love between the two. It is remarkable how soon the news of any event travels from one to the other. It seems to be an instinct.
The wounded Saboro knew at the first attack, which the Kurabus made on his tribe at the stream, that some hostile act had been committed, which brought on the fight, although John had not informed him, and during the entire time the savage had been out of sight of the warring parties.
John kept up his continual questioning with the Saboro, and made good progress during the day. Gradually some little sparks of common intelligence would appear, and the morning fight seemed to have a stimulating effect on him. He was not so reserved. It probably began to dawn on him that the intention of his captors was not hostile to the natives.
“Harry, have you the picture of the boys, which you took from one of the other tribes?” asked John.
Harry went to the shop and soon returned with it. Holding it before the Saboro, he tried to get him to understand that some of the boys were on the island, and inquired if he knew anything about them.