Part 24 (1/2)

They had now found two isles, besides their own loved island, and when they a.s.sembled that evening in the cabin of the _Pioneer_, they had a most earnest conversation as to the results of their latest enterprise.

”We have sought the treasures of the islands, and what have we accomplished?” asked George.

”What have we accomplished? I have been thinking that to find the natives here, and to be able to help them, is a pretty big thing in itself,” answered Harry.

”That is true,” he responded, ”and the same thing might be said, also, about the wonderful products of the islands; they are certainly worth coming here for. I wonder what Blakely would say if he knew of all there is here, and the knack shown by the natives to handle the things?”

”I am in sympathy with your views,” said John. ”Treasures, like gold and silver, are worth seeking for, but when you find that the earth is inviting people to till it, and there are people who, through ignorance, do not know how the earth can be utilized, it is a great privilege to be able to help them, and the recollection of what you have done will be the greatest treasure not only to you but to the poor people that have been benefited.”

”I think Ephraim's story is a wonderful one,” said George, ”but he could not go far. His education was limited, but see what he has done with the little he knew.”

”It was curious, however, that the cannibals had fear for him. I cannot understand that,” rejoined Harry.

”Savages are children only. They have the capacities of full grown men, but have never had the opportunities. Their superst.i.tions lead them into singular forms of reasonings. With them the deformed are objects of curiosity, and generally, of reverence. Those mentally deficient are regarded as possessing a superior spirit.”

”I remember that the Professor told us so on one occasion, but it seems to be singular that they should get that view. How do you account for it?”

”That is a trait, or, I may say, a belief which is not at, all uncommon among civilized people. Throughout Europe many men, who lived years ago, are reverenced as Saints, and, who, from the accounts given of them, were demented. Why, it is even claimed that there is but one step from the abnormally gifted to the insane person.”

”Is that really so regarded among learned men?”

”It has been the subject of many remarkable books which have been written to show that genius and insanity are closely allied. Take, for instance, the case of Blind Tom, an ignorant negro, who, although he could not read, nor did he know a single note of music, was able, nevertheless, to play the most marvelous music, and repeat, at a single hearing, an entire musical score.”

”But such talents, as that, I have heard, is only in some particular direction. He was not able to do anything else,” suggested George.

”Quite true. But it is so with what is called genius. I once knew a learned minister, a leading professor in one of the colleges, who was absolutely devoid of any other phase of education, except theology. He could not master the first rudiments of mathematics, and knew no more of astronomy than a ten year old boy, but he was supreme in his particular branch of knowledge.”

But the great question with John and the boys was the future. Two islands had been discovered. Some of the mysteries of the past three years had been solved, but others still remained; in fact, those which interested them the most, were still shrouded in a veil through which there was only the slightest glimpse.

John felt that their first duty would be thoroughly to explore the island to the north and west of the village, and thus enable them to make a complete report when they returned to Wonder Island, and this course was finally decided upon.

The spirit of John had now entered Ephraim. He had fully agreed to accompany them in the _Pioneer_, and learn of their great work on that island. He said that it was his duty to his children and to the natives who had stood by him so n.o.bly, to provide for their future welfare.

He was most active in arousing the people to an understanding of the mission of John and the boys. Within a day, all preparations were made for the journey through the island, and Ephraim was with them in order to learn all that might be necessary, so that when he returned he could advise the people.

For more than a week they tramped through the attractive portions of the land, and then the day was set for departure.

”I have been thinking of making a trip to your friends in the South,”

said John, as they were dining at Ephraim's home, the day before the date of sailing.

”That would please me more than anything else,” replied Ephraim. ”It occurs to me that is the first step toward peace and prosperity on the island.”

”Then we shall sail to their village, and from that place go to Venture Island, where we had our first adventures, stopping, on the way at Hutoton, where they have a criminal colony.”

”What is that?” inquired Ephraim. ”A criminal colony?”

”Yes,” said John. ”On the large island to the south, which we discovered before we came here we found a singular condition of things. Near the southern end of the island we came into contact with a tribe ruled over by a Chief, named Beralsea, a powerful man; in fact, there is no law there except the will of the Chief.”

The boys were now laughing immoderately, and Ephraim was moved to smiles at their mirth. ”It must have been very amusing, I have no doubt,” he said.