Part 5 (2/2)
”I am guaranteed eighteen miles an hour at the least.”
”Isn't that fine,” said George. ”What does she burn?”
”Either wood, coal or petroleum.”
”Now would be the time to look up the oil deposits on the island,”
remarked Harry.
Within an hour the s.h.i.+p was under way, greatly to the delight of the boys.
Notwithstanding the s.h.i.+p was sent forward under full steam, the speed was far too slow for the impatient boys. They were on the bridge most of the time with the Captain who had been employed to run the vessel. He proved to be a jolly, red-faced tar, who loved the antics of the boys.
CHAPTER IV
THE SKULL WITH THE CRYPTIC WRITING
It was at the latter part of May when the _Wonder_ steamed up the broad river which led to the town of Unity. When they were within two miles of the town, where they could begin to see the beautiful white houses in the distance, Blakely came up to the bridge, and suggested that it would be time to give the town a salute.
The Captain gave the order and the great whistle began to make a horrible din, and kept it up for a full half mile. Long before the boat came into sight of the dock itself the boys could see the people of the town hurrying down to the wharf.
When they saw the boys on the bridge pandemonium was let loose.
”This looks and acts just like a real American town,” said Harry.
”See the Professor,” said Harry, as he rushed to the end of the bridge, and frantically waved his hat.
The plank was swung and fastened, and the crew of natives rushed off and met their friends, but George and Harry were not permitted to walk down the gang plank. The joy at seeing them again was so intense that the people took them on their shoulders, and the Professor had a hard time to get near enough to grasp them and bid a welcome.
The people marveled at the boys. They were dressed up in regulation American style, and the Professor asked them if they had brought the ”latest” cuts to put in the show windows.
Everybody followed, and the bantering and cheering made a continuous performance for them until they reached their home. All the chiefs were there, dressed up for the occasion, and what delighted them more than anything else was the fact that the Krishnos, the former witch doctors of the tribes, and who were now the teachers for the children, were the first to offer congratulations on their return.
There was no work in the town that day. Everybody determined to celebrate, and it was with hearts full of joy that the boys witnessed the demonstrations in their behalf.
”Isn't this a glorious home-coming?” said George. ”It was worth the trip here to witness it.”
”It does seem strange to call it a 'home-coming,' but that is just what it is,” answered Harry. ”How happy the people are. They seem to appreciate everything that has been done for them, and it is such a pleasure to do things for those who appreciate it.”
The stories which John brought to the Professor were so beguiling that he promised the boys that he would probably be able during the next year to make a visit with them to their homes, and this delighted them beyond measure.
Although they had been absent four months, they noted many improvements made during their absence. The boys, on their own initiative, visited many of the homes, and talked to the people, and told them of the visit home. And how those simple people enjoyed this kindly act, and cherished it for months afterwards.
But it was now time to think seriously of the contemplated voyage of discovery, which was ever uppermost in the minds of the boys. While conversing on the subject a few evenings after their return, Harry remarked: ”I suppose we must use the _Pioneer_ for our trip, as the _Wonder_ will have to make the regular trips?”
”John and I think that would be the wisest plan. The native sailors are now well adapted to handle her, and do you know that Sutoto sailed her around the island?”
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