Roger T. Finlay

“ Angel was at hand, as he always was at the preparation of the meal, and the Saboros watched the work, and particularly the part that Angel took, with eyes and mouths open. For the first time they had seen the orang doing duty at command. George saw their surprise and he kept Angel busy.
It was just as interesting to Blakely. He could hardly credit the stories that Harry and Tom told him on the ride down to the river. Just imagine four boys, in all the exuberance of youth, telling about the home they had built up from absolutely nothing. ”

“ When Stut pointed out Harry, and told him that he had made the guns, and in his language pictured out the wonderful workshops at the Cataract, he could not keep his eyes from him, and walking over to Harry put his arm around him, and patted him on the shoulder, and finally rubbed Harry’s nose with his own.
The Professor instantly recognized this tribute, and said: “That is a sign that you are his eternal friend. You may depend on him to the extent of his own life. It is a way many savages have of indicating love and devotion.” ”

“ Muro shook his head. “The Brabos are not good; they do not keep their word. They cheat and try to take everything away.”
“The Kurabus are just the same, are they not?”
“No; the Kurabus are big fighters, but they do what they say.”
“Do you know anything about the Osagas?”
“My wife Osaga; she was Osagas people. Osagas good, but like to fight.”
“What do they fight about?”
“Kurabus want more land for hunting. Osagas got best land. Berees and Osagas have best land for hunting.” ”

“ What steps would be taken by their enemies? All awaited anxiously the condition of the captive Kurabu. It was evident from the Saboro’s expression that there was no love between the two. It is remarkable how soon the news of any event travels from one to the other. It seems to be an instinct.
The wounded Saboro knew at the first attack, which the Kurabus made on his tribe at the stream, that some hostile act had been committed, which brought on the fight, although John had not informed him, and during the entire time the savage had been out of sight of the warring parties. ”

“ George sent Angel to the treetop frequently for information, a proceeding which was just as much a wonder to the two Saboros as his service in helping with the meal.
Blakely could hardly contain himself, as he saw and heard the different things, and he particularly admired the wagon, declaring it was as strongly built as any he had ever seen. Without the wagon it would have been a foolhardy task for six men to boldly march into a country populated as the island was. ”

“ The sub-chief quickly informed him of the Professor’s acts, in refusing to permit anything to be disturbed at the village.
“He is a great chief,” said Uraso, addressing Ralsea. “I saw the wonderful things he has at his village, and I want him to teach my people the things they do.”
“You must go with us, Uraso; we must find your warriors before they attack John and the boys.”
“John, John,” and he repeated over the name again and again. His face lighted up.
“I will go; my people shall not injure you. We are your friends.” ”

“ Not far ahead, and to their left, were the Osagas, coming up in great excitement at the firing of the shots. The messenger from the Professor had reached them. At first the Brabos were inclined to be resentful, but as the Osagas came up they shouted:
“The Tuolos, the Tuolos,” and then they knew that unless they secured aid they might be defeated and driven back.
The Professor did not wait to argue the question, and, turning to Ralsea, shouted: “Order the men forward; go to the left and aim straight for the wagon.” ”

“ This was the signal for the Kurabus, who filed to the left and danced about like demons at the sight of the wagon, and the peculiar enclosure at one side, which was immediately recognized by them.
The occupants of the fort showed no sign. “Keep cool, boys, and fire steadily, when we once commence. Have all the ammunition in ready reach, and merely fire and reload. Observe our former method. We must keep the reserve guns for an emergency.” ”

“ As they moved toward the camp they looked like two savages, and George said: “They look exactly like the fellows in the camp. That is an ingenious thing to do, and I hope for their success.”
The tension on the part of the boys was beyond expression, as they watched the two move up slowly. When the outer circle of the camp was reached they were surprised to see John and Stut rise up boldly and make their way among the sleeping warriors. ”

“ Once out of the Kurabus’ territory, and they would be safe from attack.
“Isn’t it singular,” exclaimed Ralph, as they sat within the wagon that night, “what a small portion of the island is really inhabited by these people?”
“There is a very good reason for that,” answered John. “The continual warfare among the tribes prevents the spread of the population. Another thing also tends to keep it down. The people have no ambition; nothing to work for. The only thing is the primal one of self-preservation.”
“What a magnificent place this would be to promote,” suggested Blakely. ”

“ THE SABOROS COMING TO THE RESCUE
Muro had just returned to the wagon from his position in the front, and John met him, as he expected some news from his actions.
“The Kurabus have joined the Illyas.”
“In which direction did the Kurabus come up?”
“From the northeast.”
“Where are the Brabos?”
“Directly to the south of the Illyas.”
“Do you think we had better go on?”
“No; we better wait until fight over.”
“Why do you think so? The Brabos are sure to be beaten.” ”

“ In a short space of time the savages were at the scene of the shooting, and, as they had no means of knowing in which direction their enemies had gone, began the process of trailing. This was, necessarily, slow work, and it gave John and George time to make their way by a wide detour around to the wagon, to find that only Harry was there, but gratified to think that the precaution had been taken to erect the fort. ”

“ John conferred with Muro, and he seemed to be puzzled at the new situation.
“We must fight these fellows, if they discover us, and overwhelm them. They must be scattered to the wind. It is our only alternative. Get the guns and ammunition ready, and give them volley after volley if they attempt to attack us in any way.” John was determined now.
Despite their efforts at concealment, the Brabos discovered the wagon, and without waiting for argument commenced the fight with bows and arrows. ”

“ John turned to Muro: “I now see why he is such a remarkable messenger. A wonderfully keen sight, and a swift runner.”
To this Muro nodded a quick assent. “Kurabus to the southwest; Illyas to the southeast, and Brabos to the north. Well, this is a fine combination on the chessboard,” was Blakely’s summing up of the situation.{196}
“But are not the Brabos at war with the Kurabus?” asked Harry.
“No doubt they are; but I imagine they are after us at this particular time. Remember we attacked, or rather their party attacked us three days ago. They are sending us an answer,” said John. ”

“ When man saw the moon it looked to him like a wheel, and may have suggested the idea of a wheel on which things could be rolled. When we stop to consider the vast importance of the wheel it amazes us to see how it forms the prime element in every industry in the world. The wheel and the lever are the two greatest mechanical elements in the universe.”
During the night John and Stut made a trip toward the village, and was surprised to find a well-beaten path leading from the northwest toward the village, and that the wagon was located not two hundred feet to the east of the trail. ”

“ The advance warriors did not discover the presence of the wagon until within a hundred feet of it, and the scramble to the rear, and the falling and crawling tactics displayed in their eagerness to protect themselves and get away, was too amusing to prevent the boys from laughing. ”

“ Without a word of warning a shower of arrows came from all sides, and Harry cautioned them to be cool and shoot only when a distinctive mark could be seen.
All was quiet within the fort, until Harry said: “See that chief near the large tree? I will make a try for him.” Carefully taking aim, he fired. This was the shot which John and the Professor heard.
They did not wait for any explanations. “I hope the boys are safe,” the Professor remarked, as they hurried forward.
“They are no doubt at the wagon. I advised them to go there and not wait for us.” ”

“ The situation at the cataract was now a most peculiar one. How long would the attitude of the savages be kept up? It is true they were not suffering for food, as that was easily obtainable, the large herd of yaks being at their command, and the garden in easy reach.
It was inconceivable that their enemies could hope to starve them into submission. The Professor and John pondered over the situation, and endeavored to explain the apathy of the Kurabus. Not a single hostile movement had been made after the first disastrous attack. ”

“ The commotion among the warriors was now pronounced. The consultations were continuous, and they were not by any means harmonious. John took the two captives into consultation, in order to endeavor to find some means by which he could communicate through them with the besiegers.
One of the warriors shot was still moving, and John, beckoning to Ralph and Harry, opened the door, and said: “If we can get the badly wounded one in here, we may be able to open up a door of communication, as the savages we have here are certainly acquainted with each other’s language.” ”

“ The Kurabus circled around the wagon to the left and the Illyas to the right. At a signal there was a shower of arrows, all of which fell short, but contrary to expectations, did not follow it with a concerted rush. Instead they advanced nearer, and the second volley of arrows was sent forth, and some of them found their marks in the fort, and two struck the wagon.
John saw Muro’s appealing look. The latter pointed to the group of Illyas, and said: “Chief; see big man, this side.” ”

“ The Sebrees are much slower, and show sympathy or any excitement more slowly.”
“I was told by Uraso, the Osaga chief,” responded the Professor, “that he could distinguish his foes, when all other tests failed, by their manner of gesticulating, or in their movements, and this explains why, at great distances, they are so frequently able to distinguish people, when they are so far distant that their dress does not betray them.”
“It is wonderful how the people here, ignorant as they are, will observe little things.”
“Yes; a wise man may know little, and a fool much.” ”

“ They will, without doubt, disarm me, and I shall have to depend on my ingenuity to keep the pistol for the purpose of warning you.”
“If you hear the pistol shot, it will be the signal for you to attack; but do not attempt that under any circumstances, unless you get that warning from me. Each one must be provided with two of the guns, for this purpose, and the six of you can, no doubt, strike terror into them.”
“There is one thing we must consider,” said Blakely, “and that is the attitude, and probable action, on the part of the Berees.” ”

“ It flows from the direction of the first tribe that captured me.”
“It seems to me we should have some settled policy with respect to our manner of treating with these people. Judging from our past experience with them, we must be firm and aggressive.”
“You are entirely right in that observation. Do not let us show any hesitancy in approaching them. In my opinion a bold front will do more to make them respect us than any other course.”
The night was clear, but the moon had not yet risen, and before nine John and George left the wagon on a scouting trip in the direction of the savages. ”

“ Taking the first advantage, and before the main portion of the warriors came up, I shot the one nearest me with the arrow I had taken from the Kurabus, and stunned him into insensibility as he fell, and I dragged his body up to within seventy-five feet of the wagon.”
The boys looked admiringly at John.
“They will have some time in explaining the mystery. One of the tribe on the other side was shot, and one of the savages on this side is missing. Each will blame the other, and we may expect some lively times in the morning.” ”

“ Each tribe keeps by itself.”
“Why is that?”
“The wise men say the arrows will not go straight.”
Blakely, who heard this conversation, said: “I know just what he means by that. I got an inkling of that on one occasion. I put it in this way: They are mighty distrustful, and as a result are compelled to keep an eye on each other. This prevents them from shooting accurately, or with care.”
This incident of the two tribes moving side by side conveyed another meaning, also, to Muro, for he continued, after Blakely concluded:
“The ones over there,” pointing to the left, “are Illyas, I know.” ”

“ The great donor is he who can transfer to the recipient something which he could not otherwise gain. To teach a man how he can make two blades of grass grow where one grew before, or to impart the knowledge whereby a laborious task can be accomplished in an easier manner, or how the drudgery of life can be made a pleasant recreation, these are the great things of life, and are the greatest gifts in the power of civilized men.”
“It seems odd that it should be necessary to take a whole arsenal along with us for the purpose of trying to civilize the savages,” said George, laughing. ”

“ The singular thing about this whole proceeding was, that the Kurabus did not even send out scouts to watch the movements of the parties in the wagon. This was one of the reasons why John adopted this apparently rash movement.
Afterwards, when George questioned him as to the reason for taking that hazardous course, he replied: “In war you must never do that which the enemy thinks you are going to do. The more hazardous the movement, the more likely it is to succeed. ”

“ John was right, for when morning broke, and before either of the boys could make his way to the treetop, there was an unusual commotion among the savages. Harry and Tom were up in{42} the tree without a moment’s loss of time, and the uproar was apparent to them at once.
“They are after each other. The Kurabus are about to attack the Saboros. Shall we take a hand?” cried Tom.
“By no means,” responded the Professor. “Let us know just what they are doing.”
Those in the wagon could now see the Kurabus cross the stream. ”

“ They had understood the motion, as it appeared, and, in accordance with the expectations of John and the Professor, the battle on the brink of the stream, and the discovery of the wounded, was sufficient to give them the information that their friends were being driven to the north by their late allies.
The Kurabus quickly learned from their wounded friend, the status of the quarrel, and there was a long consultation, before any action was taken.
“We do not seem to be making much headway in getting intimately acquainted with our friends on the island. We have only two things open to us. ”