Part 25 (2/2)

”That's the name for it!” exclaimed Harry, enthusiastically.

”Suppose we notify General John and Skipper Stut that the Geographical Society has just named the island 'Rescue'?”

This important function was attended to and a note made in the log that the island discovered in south lat.i.tude 41 37' 10”, and west longitude 138 2' 56”, by the steams.h.i.+p _Pioneer_, was formally named _Rescue_.

Long before the village was reached the great fog horn of the _Pioneer_ commenced to give the signal. The villagers knew what it meant, and the old Chief himself was at the landing place to welcome the visitors.

The boats were manned by the sailors, and the boys, together with John, Ephraim, and Caramo, were in the first boat. When Ta Babeda gazed at Ephraim, he was astounded. John had not informed him of the name of his visitor, but he continued to gaze at him in amazement.

It was evident that the old Chief was impressed with his appearance, so unlike anything he had ever before known in the form of a human being.

When they arrived at the Chief's house, John awaited the proper time before making the introductions, and finally said:

”It gives me pleasure to introduce to you, the greatest enemy you have.

This is Rumisses, the Cannibal Chief of the Umbolos.”

The Chief was startled beyond measure. True, he knew that John and his party had come into contact with his arch enemy, but this was certainly a thrilling way to bring them together.

Ephraim walked forward and seized the Chief by the hand, and then pressed his nose against him. This was, of course, symbolic of friends.h.i.+p.

The Chief unhesitatingly accepted the token, but he could not remove his eyes. Here was the man, so unlike all others, and the impression of superiority, undoubtedly, was also in his mind, but Ephraim quickly relieved him of his reflections, as he said:

”Because I am so unlike you, is not due to any particular knowledge, or favor from the Great Spirit. I am a white man, like the Great Chief here, and was unfortunate to be cast among the natives in the north, and I have tried for many years to prevent the practicing of the sacrifices, and have succeeded.”

”But we were told that all the people you captured from us were sacrificed.”

”It is not true. They are all living with us in perfect happiness and contentment.”

”Then why is it that we have been so much deceived?”

”Because the Korinos have not told you the truth. They did this because they knew no better.”

”Yes; the White Chief has told us that they have deceived us, and I believe him. But I learn that my Korinos have gone to you for protection!”

”Yes; and I have s.h.i.+elded them, and they are now on board of the vessel in the harbor.”

This information brought back all the native resentment of the old Chief. ”Then he has brought them back to me!” he exclaimed in great earnestness.

”I believe he intends to do so, but it will not be until they go to Wonder Island, that marvelous place.”

”Then I am content.”

John heard the conversation, and soon turned it into another direction, when he informed the Chief that the Chief of Venture Island as well as the leader of the criminal colony, were to accompany them to Wonder Island, and that the company would be incomplete without him and his family.

He looked at his visitors for some time, doubting in his mind the propriety of such a course, but the entreaties of Ephraim, and the urging of Muro and Uraso, were sufficient to decide the question, and the only matter that now weighed on his mind was to determine who should accompany him in this wonderful voyage.

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