Roger T. Finlay

“ It may well be imagined that Uraso and Muro were not slow in imparting the news of Wonder Island to the natives. John had a long conference with the Chief on the same subject.
"But how can we get these articles?" he asked, as John told him how they made the wonderful things.
"You can make them here," he answered.
"But we cannot make them if we do not have the tools."
"Then you can buy them," responded John.
"But what have we that you want?" he asked, as he eagerly scanned John's face.
"Your land is full of things that the people in Wonder Island want, and the whole world will buy them of you." ”

“ Tarra leaped to his feet, and with a few bounds was at Uraso's side, while Harry jumped forward and cut the thongs that bound his hands.
The Chief was bewildered, no less than those around him. No effort was made to prevent Tarra from escaping. The other Korinos did not even go forward to the relief of their slain comrade. He lay there motionless.
"I am sorry," said John. "I must have made a miscalculation, but I am afraid he is dead."
Then one of the Korinos moved toward the fallen man. "Stop!" cried John. "It will be death for any one to touch him now!" ”

“ I tried for hours to get through, but they were within a mile of the landing," answered Tarra.
"But where have you been all this time?"
"They took me north to another village."
But more interesting things were now happening. The witch doctor who was about to go to his fallen companion, hesitated. He turned to the Chief. The latter merely stretched out his hand, and with an impatient gesture appeared to order him on.
"I warn you!" said Uraso. "It will be death to touch him."
If there is one thing, more than another, that is liable to add terror to a low order of human beings, it is noise. ”

“ Thus Uraso went on, and as he spoke the poor victims' eyes grew greater and greater, and the terror more pronounced. He ceased for a moment and John slowly walked to the table, and mounting it, said quietly to Uraso: "Tell them that when I raise my hands over my head the ends of their living death will begin."
When this was imparted, the agony on their faces was pitiful to see. John advanced, and spread out his palms toward them, and quickly drew his hands toward him, and this was repeated three times.
It is a curious thing that most savages believe in the mysticism of some particular number. ”

“ True education is charitable. Those who crave it with the most eagerness, are always the foremost in wishing to impart it to others. The honest learner does not resent the listening ear of his fellow pupils.
Uraso and Muro, the two chiefs, who were the first to conceive the advantages of education at the hands of John and the Professor, were always on the alert at the evening meetings, whenever their duties permitted it, and hundreds of the natives of Wonder Island craved the privilege of hearing the conversations which took place on all sorts of topics. ”

“ The Chief went to his own home, and when he saw that everything was untouched, and that none of the people was harmed, he could not understand the actions of the White Chief, and so expressed his astonishment to Uraso and Muro. When he was told that the latter were Chiefs of two tribes on Wonder Island, he was still more surprised.
"Do you not fight each other?" he asked.
Uraso smiled, as he answered: "Why should we fight? There is no pleasure in killing, or in causing suffering. ”

“ John visited the Chief, and suggested that he should consider it a favor if the Chief would permit him to take the Korinos with him.
The Chief opened his eyes in astonishment. "Why do you wish to be burdened with men who will live by deceiving?" he inquired.
"But they have lived to the best of their knowledge. They do not know any better. They believe what they have been taught, and think it is a duty to carry out and practice their rites. They do not wish to deceive you." ”

“ 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 boys laughed. "That must be pretty well far-fetched," responded George.
"Do you think so?" answered John. "He reasons it in this way. It was, formerly the custom, among most savage tribes, to take the hair of victims, to be used as personal adornment, or to indicate the valor of the warrior. Among some tribes in the Philippines and also in the interior of Africa, the custom is to take the head of an enemy." ”

“ Great evil will fall upon us if he is not appeased. If you cannot find the victims I will do so."
The Chief's voice was terrible in its anger. Outside of their dark homes the Korinos were subject to the Chief's will. Within the caves they knew no fear. The boys looked at Uraso and John. A slight smile could be seen on Uraso's face, as he returned the gaze of the boys; but John's face was immobile, and did not in the least appear to portray any concern.
"It is my order that you shall be the victims, and must be offered up as the sacrifices to prevent the anger of the Great Spirit." ”

“ Is it the custom to march along the principal streets and out along the boulevards?"
This idea was so laughable to Harry and Uraso and Muro, that they had a fit of laughter. The two Chiefs were just like boys, and entered in to the spirit of the undertaking with a vim that pleased the boys.
They fairly flew to the landing, and manned the boat. "We have come for the flag," announced George, as Stut was looking on the excitable boys. ”

“ There is something very peculiar in the characteristics of savages which forbids them from violating a peace pledge, or a treaty of friendship when entered into with the rites that they acknowledge. The most formal of these rites, is that of rubbing noses together.
How the custom originated, is not known. It is something like the kiss, in so far as it is a visible token of either love, friendship, or esteem. It is seldom that the savage violates the pledge which is thus given. John knew this, and felt assured the great Chief would respect it. ”

“ They were led through the principal street of the town. It was clean and well kept; the huts were far better than those in the village they had left, and the natives were, apparently, happy and contented.
As they marched along George was the first to notice a tall individual, who, with several others, were edging away from the visitors.
"There they are!" he cried out. John turned to inquire, when Harry commenced laughing, as he added: "Here are the Korinos, John!" ”

“ It takes only one sun, and the White Chief would be so happy to take you there and show you the great village, and to see the people and the Chiefs who live together in happiness, and to learn from the people themselves how they enjoy their homes, and make the many curious things that the White Chief has brought over for you. ”

“ The procession of the machines naturally attracted the people who came from all directions to witness the wonder wagons which ran by themselves. They crowded around, and listened to every comment. The old Chief was the one most excited at the strange things.
Neither Sutoto nor Cinda had informed them of the autos, because it was intended to have quite a surprise party, and it was afterwards learned that Blakely and Sutoto had planned to give all of them a surprise. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Muro turned to the boys, and smiled as he said: "Do you know what he means? He calls them Korinos. On Wonder Island they are Krishnos. That seems pretty close to the same thing."
Uraso held up a hand, as he said: "I have a Korino here (pointing to John) , and he will destroy your Korinos."
The witch doctors then ranged themselves in front of the Chief, and the latter said: "They will sacrifice your friend who came to us to-day."
To the astonishment of all, Tarra was led forward, and ordered to kneel down. ”

“ Even now, people like my own, dare not venture on the sea, for any distance from shore."
"But," said John, "the surface of the earth was not originally like it is now. In many places over the earth, new lands have appeared,—that is, they come up out of the sea, and other lands have disappeared. We have records of islands, and parts of continents, hundreds of times larger than Wonder Island, which have disappeared in a single day. One of those, near Japan, sank, and engulfed over 200,000 people."
"You surprise me," said Muro. ”

“ And what do you think? We found a chief there who is a white man," remarked George.
"A white man? Where is he from?"
"Massachusetts; and he is humpbacked, but as bright as can be."
"I saw him, did I not? He was on the Pioneer?"
"Yes; there he is with Ta Babeda."
"Ta what?"
"That's the Chief's name who owned the other tribe on Rescue Island. Isn't he an immense fellow? But he is a brick; I can tell you. Come over and I'll introduce you," and Harry pulled Blakely over while the latter resisted, as the men were constantly besieging Blakely for orders. ”

“ Those who are able to bring about a mesmeric condition, try to concentrate the mind on some particular thing, and by making gentle motions, or passes, this is more forcibly impressed on them."
"What was the object of Uraso telling them that the White Man's death was a terrible one, and trying to frighten them?"
"Merely to make them concentrate their minds on one thing alone. Terror, or great fear, is one of the things which tends to a cataleptic condition. Great excitement, and sometimes excessive joy, have been known to do the same thing." ”

“ And Ephraim could scarcely keep the tears from coming. Happiness shows itself in that way with the strongest, not with the weakest. The strong man can stand the miseries and the sufferings much better and with a braver front than the weak; but excessive joy will break him down so that he manifests it more easily.
John saw his emotion and sympathized with him. ”

“ CHAPTER III CAPTURE OF THE VILLAGE
The most trying time for all adventurers and explorers, is after night has set in. During the daytime there is always plenty to take up one's attention and energies, but as the sun goes down the world seems to contract into a very small space, and when enemies are near the burden of waiting is a doubly trying one.
The boys had spent many such nights. Whenever John or the Professor were about these hours were always enjoyed, because like all healthy boys, they were ever on the alert to ask questions which happened to be suggested by the experiences of the day. ”

“ It was now Muro's turn to get the sympathy of the boys, and both of them turned to John, who still seemed unperturbed.
"We will march directly to the east," he announced. "Every man must hold his gun ready for instant firing. Move forward quietly, as you have been doing. We must go to the assistance of Muro. Uraso will take care of the rear."
They glided along the crest, directly behind John, and as they passed over the hill, it was evident that the natives were out in force.
"I wonder whether they have captured Muro?" asked Harry. ”

“ John opened his jacket and brought out a miniature American flag, which was unrolled, and the moment the strange being caught sight of it he seized it and pressing it to his lips, kissed it fervently.
"I am an American," he finally struggled to utter. "I am a white man, and you are the first white man I have seen for fifty years. You are welcome to our home and village."
The boys could not credit their senses. How did this poor specimen of the white race become the powerful Chief of a tribe of savage cannibals? ”

“ Our young friends, during their experiences in southern waters, did their part in bringing to the uneducated savages the blessings of civilization and the great boon of peace. To themselves they brought a store of hard-earned knowledge and a memory of things well done that will last them to the end of their days. ”

“ The Chief then demanded that they leave the island at once, or they would kill all of them. Tarra laughed at this announcement, and his demeanor was such as to astound the natives. "You do not know what you say," said Tarra. "The white people who are with us have fire guns, which kill when they speak," and he held up one of them, and the boys were amused to see how quickly they began to waver and look about for shelter. ”

“ The huts were unoccupied, but it was evident from their appearance that they had been used up to that very day.
"I cannot understand why no people are living here," remarked George.
"They have gone to the village to attend the sacred rites," responded Uraso.
They were now less than a mile from the village, which could be seen in the distance through the trees. Something unusual was taking place to their left, and more than a mile away. Uraso agreed to go in that direction, and gain the slight elevation, which might afford him an opportunity to discover the cause of the excitement. ”

“ We sailed from China in January, 1860; and during that same month the ship went down. From that time to the present I have no idea of what has taken place."
"Then you know nothing of the four years' war between the North and the South?"
"No; I remember there was some trouble about the slaves, or something of that sort before we left China."
"But there are no more slaves in the United States."
"You surprise me! Then they were freed by the war?"
"Yes; and Cuba is also free, and is now a republic, and the Hawaiian Islands belong to the United States, as also do the Philippines." ”

“ The large man by his side is Beralsea, the Chief of the tribe on Venture Island."
Ephraim looked at Ta Babeda for a moment, with an amused smile, and then remarked: "He is almost as large as you are."
The Wonder was the first to get her cables to the dock, and as she swung against the wharf, and the gang plank was fixed in place, the first ones to spring ashore were Sutoto and Cinda, the latter of whom rushed to her father's outstretched arms, and then to her mother and the other members of the family. ”

“ How can the Chief do anything but right?"
"Do you think," asked Uraso, "that the Chief has a right to lie or deceive?"
"Yes, he can do that, but not his people. It is wrong for them to do so."
"But the white man believes that it is just as wrong for the Chief to lie and to deceive, as for the people to do so."
The Chief was silent for a long time, and John purposely permitted him to reflect on the new dispensation. While thus musing on the new theory, a woman carrying a child appeared at the door. John saw her, and, stepping out, took the child from her arms. ”