Part 16 (2/2)

Within the Chief's dwelling there was the most animated conversation indulged in by the Chief, Uraso and John, and to this number were added the Chief's brother, and a handsome man who was probably one of the Chief's princ.i.p.al advisors. Muro and Uraso were the interpreters.

The latter, by turns, told the Chief where they sailed from, and what their history had been for the past three years. They told about the wonderful Professor, and all concerning John, and what part the two boys had taken in the transformation of the island.

”But where is this wonderful s.h.i.+p?” asked the Chief.

”On the other side of the island,” answered Uraso.

”Then why do you not bring it here?”

”We should have done so, but we did not know we had a friend here.”

”I want to see the wonderful place you have told me about,--your home, and how you make people happy,” said the Chief.

John's face lit up when this was interpreted to him.

”What do your people work at?” the Chief abruptly asked Muro.

”We make many curious things, like the articles you have here,” and he pointed to George's belongings, which were still lying about.

The Chief hurriedly gathered them up and handed them to George. The latter, after turning to John, refused to take them, and addressing Uraso, said: ”Tell him that I want him to take them, and my gun, as well.”

The Chief could not understand this, and at first refused, but John, as well as Uraso, insisted, and the latter said:

”These boys can make these things, and they do not feel that they are sacrificing anything, beyond what it is their duty to do.”

The Chief looked doubtfully at the boys, as he remarked: ”Do you tell me that these _memees_, (Boys) made these things?”

Uraso and Muro both a.s.sured them that such was the case, and added: ”And still more wonderful things.”

After some conversation Uraso turned to John and said: ”The Chief wishes to send a runner to bring the s.h.i.+p to the harbor here. Hasmo may accompany him.”

This arrangement had John's approval, and when Hasmo was advised of the mission, he jumped up with delight, and, together with the Chief's fleetest messenger, speeded off to make the intervening twenty-five miles.

It was not much of a task for the two men. In less than four hours, Sutoto saw two men on the sh.o.r.e, one of them waving a signal that he understood. A boat was put off, and when the runners came aboard, and the news imparted, all on board sprang to their places, the anchor was hurriedly taken up, and the _Pioneer_ soon rounded the point, while they all eagerly scanned the sh.o.r.e.

The Chief and his visitors remained in the ”palace” for three hours, while the latter told and retold the stories which so much interested the chieftain. Then John began to question him upon matters that more nearly concerned their visit.

”Ask him,” he said, ”if they have any Krishnos here?”

”He does not know what they are,” answered Muro.

”Does he believe in a Great Spirit?”

”No he has never heard anything of that kind.”

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