Fig. 5. The Banyan Tree.Fig. 5.TheBanyanTree.
Uraso had charge of the advance, and when they halted that day it was under the spreading shade of a tree that was a marvel to the boys, although Blakely said there were plenty of them in the southern part of the island.
This was a tree, with a large central trunk, the branches of which spread out in all directions, to distances which were fully fifty feet on each side, and at irregular intervals were straight stems which shot down straight to the earth, the lowerp. 66ends of which took root and thus served as supports for the long branches.
The boys went around, examining it from all sides. "What is it?" asked the boys.
"It is the banyan tree," answered John. "This is not the only kind which exhibits this peculiarity. What is called the screw pine also sends down shoots in the same way."
"Well, does each of these vertical stems become a tree of itself?"
"In the case of the mangrove these aerials, as they are called, carry up the sap, and form leaves at their upper ends, long after the main trunk dies."
"Do you mean that these drooping branches carry up the sap in the opposite direction, after they take root?"
"Yes; but that is not so remarkable, when it is understood that the buds of all trees are, in a measure, roots, and perform the same functions as roots. The plum tree, and many others, will form roots out of the buds, if the latter are buried in the earth."
"I have heard about the orchids, as I believe they are called. Do they act in the same way?"
"Not altogether; there are certain plants which live on other plants and get sustenance from them, just as some insects attach themselves to animals and live on them."
"There is one thing I could never understand," remarked Tom, "and that is, why the sap of the trees goes upwardly."
"I shall try and answer that question by askp. 67ing another. If you put the end of a piece of blotting paper in water, what causes the water to travel along to the other end?"
"That is just as much a mystery," he replied.
"But as you know that to be so, because you can see the process, it will enable me to explain the principle of the movement of the sap. A wick in a lamp becomes saturated and the oil travels upwardly as long as the upper end is burning; but as soon as the light is put out the oil ceases to creep toward the burned end."
"But in the case of a tree there is nothing to do that same thing."
"That is what the sun does. It shines on the leaf, and absorbs the sap, or portions of it, and the sap tries to move upwardly to again moisten the dried pores of the wood."
"I always thought the sap moved upwardly, because the tree was alive."
"The blotting paper and the wick are not alive, are they? Still, you see the same process going on. This is due to what is termed capillary attraction. Suppose you take two tubes, one larger than the other, each open at both ends, and stand them in water. The water will rise in the tubes above the surface of the water outside, and the height it rises depends on the inside diameters of the tubes. The smaller the bore the higher will the water go up. So with the pores in the wood. They are very small, and thus the water moves to the greatest heights."
It was now a question of the greatest importance to set up their home at the most desirablep. 68point. The Chiefs, together with John and Blakely, had numerous conferences with the Professor, on this subject. Many things had to be taken into consideration.
First: It should be located at a point convenient to all the tribes.
Second: It should be on or near the seacoast.
Fig. 6. Showing Capillary Attraction.Fig. 6.ShowingCapillaryAttraction.
Third: Everything else being equal, the most desirable place would be in a section which had the richest soil.
These considerations were suggested to the Chiefs, and all agreed that the river separating the land of the Osagas and the Berees would be most suitable.
"I know a place," said Uraso, "where there is a running water like you have at the Cataract, and it is a little river that flows into the big river."
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"Does the water go down steep as we had it?"
"Yes," answered Uraso.
"Let us go there at once," responded the Professor.
Within two days the spot was reached, and at the sight of it all were pleased beyond measure.
"It is an ideal spot," exclaimed John. "The falls would be much better for our purpose than the Cataract, and it is close to the river. As the latter has ample depth for good-sized boats, and the sea is not more than three miles away, I judge, we are near enough to carry out the purpose of building the large vessel."
No conferences were required to make the decision. "Your judgment is to be commended," said the Professor to Uraso. "I do not think there is a better spot on the island."
"It suits me," said Blakely. "See the forest to the northwest? That is where I used to live. I know the boys will enjoy exploring it, and if they want excitement at any time, it is near enough to give them plenty of exercise."
The boys' eyes glistened with excitement at the news. "Won't we have fun over there, when we are fixed up!" said Will.
The Professor, addressing the Chiefs, said: "We do not need all the men we have here, as they will no doubt be needed for a time at their homes, in order to take care of the women and children. For the present I suggest that one-half of them be sent home, and the others remain here, and get the work started. This will take several moons, and we must then meet, unless wep. 70hear from the Illyas sooner, and march against them."
The chiefs selected the ones which were to remain, and those instructed to return home were advised that later on they would be brought to the new village, to take their part in the work, and thus give an opportunity to all.
The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and each tribe tried to outdo the other in generous acts. The example set by the Professor was, indeed, a lesson to these poor, ignorant creatures.
"Professor, what shall we do when the herd arrives? I think we had better fence in a field for them until they get used to the people and learn, to remain in this part of the country."
"I am glad that you suggested that, Ralph. You may build a fence to hold them, and I suggest that you use the space in the forks of the river."
"How many men shall I take for the purpose?"
"As Sutoto will likely be here to-morrow, or on the following day, you should take enough to do it quickly. Use at least fifty of them. Stut would be the one to call in for help."
"What kind of a fence shall we build?"
"I will make a sketch of the best form for the present. Have some of the men cut posts that have several forks like the sketch shows. Cut these off at lengths so that one fork will be about two feet up out of the ground, and the other five feet or a little more above. Set others to work cutting the long poles, which you will find along; the river bank."
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"How long should we make the poles?"
"Get them as long as you can; but make them, say, nine, eighteen or twenty-seven feet long. Then, at the same time, others can be digging the post holes, and make those eight feet apart and two feet deep. When the posts are set, the men with the poles can go along and lay them in place, just as I show."
Fig. 7. Sample of Island Fence.Fig. 7.SampleofIslandFence.
The warriors took the bolos and sallied down to the stream. Ralph had made a mental calculation that at least one hundred posts would be required; the line of the fence was laid out and the holes marked. Muro took charge of the digging of the holes, and the men showed a wonderful aptitude for the work. During the afternoon the Professor wandered down to the line, and went among them, speaking words of cheer and commendation to all, so that he impressed his wonderful personality on every man.
Meanwhile Harry, with the other boys, was at work preparing a new water wheel. In this he had the aid of Uraso, as the director general of the men. Many hands make light work. In ap. 72single day the wheel was ready for mounting. The dried lumber which had been brought over was a great advantage in making it, and in preparing the bridge below the falls on which the wheel was mounted.
This was completed on the evening of the second day, just as Sutoto came into view with the cattle. It was an amusing sight to see how they had brought over the herd.
Apollo was the name of the bull which had the terrific fight with the old bull. The first thing Sutoto did was to catch Apollo, and firmly secure him with hobbles. He was led in front, and the others driven along after him, the rest following meekly.
When Apollo was finally loosened, and allowed the freedom of the corral, he gave a roar, pawed up the ground and shook his head at the indignant treatment.
Their appearance meant milk and butter. There were thirty-five in the herd, of which ten were young animals, from four to six months of age, and six calves, the latter of which retarded the movement of the drove on the route.
Early in the morning the wheel was put up, and it began to turn, to the delight of the men.
"It would be better, Harry, to set up the sawmill at once, as I have directed a number of men to go to the forest with John, to cut the logs, and they will take the two teams along, so that by the time you are ready, the material will be here for you."
"What shall I cut first?"
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"Get out the scantlings for the house and shop, as the latter will be the first to receive our attention. We must have some place to put the things we have in the wagons."
It is remarkable how quickly a set of men, working under intelligent directions, can carry out a purpose. The logs began coming in shortly after noon, and in the morning the saw was at work, and it did not cease its operations for many a day.
The natives were so fascinated with it that they considered it a grief to leave it. But the Professor had other purposes in view. George and Tom were selected to make several looms, similar to the one brought from the Cataract. In this work, as in everything else, some particular ones were selected and instructed to do the work.
Ramie fiber was found in abundance, along the streams, and after a set of men had been instructed how to cut and gather it, they were kept at that work, while others were directed how to wet it down and rot the woody fiber and taught the manner in which the fiber was freed of the stalks.
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Within a week most disquieting rumors reached the new village as to the attitude of the Illyas and Tuolos. The former sent an insulting message that if the White Chief wanted the captives he should come for them.
The Tuolos had returned to their country, but John was determined that they must have a visit. Thus far no bands from the warring tribes had molested either the Saboros, who were nearest on one side, or the Brabos on the other side.
Their silence after a peace message was sent them could only be interpreted to mean one thing, on the part of the Tuolos.
"The Illyas will not dare to injure the captives they have with such a warning as we gave them, and if they intended to destroy them it is possible that has been done already. Under the circumstances a little patience on our part may show them that we mean business."
Muro, who understood the Illyas' character better than the others, was of the opinion that the Professor's views were most likely to accomplish the purpose without bloodshed. On the other hand, he was of an entirely different opinion with respect to the Tuolos.
A few weeks of active work, first, in completing all preparations for defense, and second, in organp. 75izing the tribes into a working unity, would be of the greatest importance to the community.
The shop and the laboratory were completed, and most of the things in the wagons were now in place. The important thing was the disposition of the treasure. For the safe keeping of this a large pit was dug beneath one end of the shop, and an underground vault constructed, the brick for this purpose being made from a natural silicate found in the hills near by, and which hardened without burning. The interior was also plastered with the same material, and a strong door, small, but thick, was constructed to close the opening.
During the night John, the Professor and Blakely, with the boys, carefully stored the treasure there, so that the different tribes had no idea of the use to which the vault had been put.
Two of the simple looms had been made, so that there were now three ready to turn out goods, and the fiber was in such shape that it could soon be utilized. In the meantime the boys concluded that as the weaving process was the slowest operation it would be well to construct several additional looms, and two of them capable of making goods four feet wide.
One of the first acts of the Professor was to scour the hills to the north for minerals. He was in search of copper, and taking a half dozen of the natives with him, and one of the teams, a load of copper ore was brought in.
The furnaces and smelters had been set up by the boys, previous to this, and within ten daysp. 76a hundred pounds of copper were run into clay receptacles, to be used for the various purposes.
"What do you suppose the Professor wants with so much copper?" asked Ralph.
"You can make up your mind he has some scheme or other," answered George.
The Professor really did have a scheme, for the first thing he consulted Harry about was a plan to make some small molds in two parts, out of brass, from a plaster paris disk which he had carved out.
Fig. 8. The One-Cent CoinFig. 8.The One-Cent Coin
"What is that for?" asked Harry, laughing.
"That is to make one of the first coins from our mint," he answered, smiling.
A sample of the coin is shown.
"What is the hole in the middle for?"
"So they can be strung on a cord, and thus provide a means for keeping them."
"That is the first time I ever heard of that plan."
"It is not anything new. The Chinese adopted the plan years ago, and Belgium is a country which has followed the idea. It has been foundp. 77very convenient for shoppers, as they can string them on vertical pieces of wire, and in that way they are always kept in columns before them, and can be readily taken off in making change."
Fig. 9. The Five-Cent CoinFig. 9.The Five-Cent Coin
In making the molds, the molten brass was first poured around the paris plaster disk, so that the metal was level with the top of the disk, and, after it was thoroughly cooled, an additional amount of metal was poured over this, so that the two parts would separate. The disk was then taken out, and two holes made on opposite sides through the top. The copper was then poured in one hole until it appeared at the other hole. In this way the print formed by the disk was cast in the coin.
Harry made a half dozen of these molds, and the mint was ready for operation. Tom and one of the natives set to work making the coins, and the first day cast two hundred of them. Within a week they became quite expert at the business, and when they took stock at the end of the week over twenty-five hundred of the coins were in the treasury.
p. 78
A large-sized coin was turned out, which is also shown, the smaller being for one cent, and the larger five cents. The stock of coins within ten days amounted to fifty dollars in value, but it was a good beginning.
During the evening the coins were shown around and admired, and John said: "We have plenty of silver, when the time comes, which can be worked up in the same way."
This idea had not occurred to the boys. "But how," asked Will, "shall we use these? The natives won't give anything for them?"
"That is what we are trying to teach them. They are of no value except as a medium of exchange. Money is of no value, except as it enables us to buy something with it. When you have a five-cent piece and a taro root before you, and are hungry, which will you take?"
"The taro root, of course."
"So it isn't the coin itself, but only its value in what you want. It is want that gives money any value."
"But I still don't see how we are going to make the natives want the coins."
"We do not intend to make them want them. But we may soon have some things they will need. Now it is immaterial whether they give money for it, or if they furnish us something we wish in exchange."
"Then of what use is it to have the coins?"
"Simply because we must have something to measure by. If you buy a yard of cloth you must have a yardstick. If you want a certain quanp. 79tity of grain you must have a quart or a bushel measure. Now that yard or bushel, each, is worth so much, and they are measured by a coin or coins, of which both know the value."
"I understand now. You are simply trading a certain marked coin for a bushel of grain, instead of giving something else for it."
"Exactly; money in itself has no value. You cannot eat it, or make it serve as an article of clothing, or drink it. You can only measure the needed things with it."
The practical operation of the use of coins as money had its first trial on the following day, when the Professor had two hundred cords prepared, on which were strung five one-cent coins and a five-cent coin.
The warriors were told to file along the wagon, and George handed out one of the coin sets to each as he passed. They looked at the bright disks curiously, at first, and were informed that they were being rewarded for the work they had done. This was a singular way of requiting them for their services. They had obtained food in plenty, and therefore this way their pay; but now, in addition, they were being rewarded.
Uraso explained the new proceeding. They had conspicuously displayed the ramie cloth, made in different colors, which had been woven during the past two weeks. Not a word was said about that. The goods displayed seemed to be of more value than the coins. It was something they could wear, and they envied the manner in which the white people clothed themselves.
p. 80
John went up to Jim, who had the fiber cloth in charge, and asked him for a piece, indicating the length of the yardstick, which he held, and when he was told that it was worth one of the small coins, John made a great show of taking one of the coins from the cord and paying for the goods which Jim cut off.
Tom did likewise, and this was very soon repeated, some taking two yards or more. The natives regarded this as a new species of barter, and it did not take them long to see the peculiar features of the transaction. Before night fully half of the coins were again back in the hands of the treasurer.
The next day the boys, at the instigation of the Professor, began a species of trade with the natives, purchasing some trinket or other article, for which coins were offered in exchange. This spirit began to take possession of the natives. Regularly each week the pay for work performed was given, and as the weaving of cloth went on, the sale of the goods began to increase.
Soon the Professor called the chiefs, and said: "We ought to send some of these men to their homes, each week, and bring others here, so that all may have an opportunity to work and to learn, and also be able to buy the goods we make."
There was a twofold purpose in this: The warriors would, he knew, take their purchases home, and thus give their families the benefits of the cloth, and it would incite a desire for them to again return and work for the purpose of acquiring more goods.
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This was the first object lesson. In the following week, the second one was quietly brought to their attention. The workers had been fed from the common table. It was desirable to stimulate individual effort.
For this purpose the Professor, John and Blakely, as well as the boys, went to the different workers, and made bargains; some offered a coin for the bringing in of a brace of fowl; others for a certain amount of vegetables; and some for particular quantities of fruit and for barley.
The sawmill was turning out a certain amount of lumber, and the main house was erected, and then began the building of a number of small two-and three-room dwellings, all put up cheaply, but in a substantial manner.
This proceeding was looked on with wonder by the warriors. Before long the women and children of some of the workers appeared, and their coming pleased the Professor immensely.
It was evident that the two warring tribes were in communication with each other, and as the affairs of the little colony were moving along in a very satisfactory way, it was determined to bring them to terms. This was brought about by two incidents, which will be related.
The Brabo territory extended the farthest north of any of the inhabited lands, and adjoined the portion occupied by the Tuolos.
In a previous book the history of John was related, in which he described an immense cave, near their village, occupied by the medicine men of their tribe, and where he took refuge when purp. 82sued. There he discovered a large amount of treasure. He and the boys had long wanted to go there.
When the report was brought to the new village that the Tuolos had made a foray into the Brabo territory, and killed several warriors, carrying some of the women into captivity, it was a warning that could not be disregarded.
Immediately, on the heels of this news, was the report of two runners from the Saboros that depredations had been committed by the Illyas.
The Professor called John, Blakely and the chiefs Oma of the Brabos and Muro of the Saboros into consultation.
"We are now in condition," he said, "where we must undertake to call those tribes to account. The outrages reported are probably only the forerunners of others which may be much more serious, and I want your views on the course to follow."
"It is fortunate," answered Blakely, "that the tribes referred to are separated by the sections of the island inhabited by our allies. This gives us an opportunity to treat with each separately. It seems to me that we should attack the Illyas first, as they are the most powerful of the two."
"I do not altogether agree with you," responded John. "My view is that we should proceed against the Tuolos, as they have committed the most serious offense, in killing the Brabos."
"You speak wisely," said Muro. "The Brabos are not as well protected as my people."
This observation, coming from Muro, was a mostp. 83pleasing one to John and the Professor, and Blakely was instructed to muster a force of two hundred. Notices were sent to all the allied tribes, and within a week they arrived, all eager to engage in the expedition.
"While engaged in that work the business must not cease here," observed the Professor. "It will be your duty, Blakely, to thoroughly drill the men, and instruct them in the uses of the weapons. For reasons which you will understand, John will accompany the expedition."
During all this time there was not a day but the Professor, as well as George, Ralph and Jim, whenever opportunity offered, scouted about in various directions, and brought in new specimens of woods, flowers, vegetables, and samples of ores.
The Professor's eyes were gladdened many times at the odd parcels left on his table, that excited the curiosity of the boys. Jim was an indefatigable gatherer of vegetable products, and one thing which attracted him immensely was the branch of a tree which bore a number of star-leaved clusters, each leaf being feather-veined, and the stems carried numerous yellowish purple-spotted flowers, and also nuts about the size of pigeon eggs.
"Down near the large river the banks are full of these. Can we make any use of them?" asked Jim.
"Why that is a variety of Chica," he answered.
"What is Chica, anyhow?"
"The seeds are good for making burning oil. The inner bark furnishes a fiber which resists allp. 84moisture; and the nuts possess a substance which is well known all over the world as mucilage. It is recognized in commerce as gum tragacanth."
"I saw different kinds there. Are they all useful?"
"Some species contain nuts which are very fine, but are never eaten raw. They must be roasted."
Fig. 10. Chica. The Gum Plant.Fig. 10.Chica.TheGumPlant.
"When Jim and I were down there this morning we saw at least a dozen different kinds of plants growing together in a space not three feet square. We both wondered why each kept on growing in its own way, from the same kind of soil. Now, don't the plants get all they are made of from the same soil? And if that is so, why don't they grow to be the same things?"
"Of course, like the animal kingdom, the germp. 85of each is different, but each takes the identical substances from the same soil, and converts them into entirely different products. One will make a gum; the other produces a kind of milk; others will turn out a hard substance, like the outer portion of the nut; some will make a vegetable good to eat; others will yield a poison, and yet all are from the same soil."
"That is what I mean. Even though the plants are different, why is it that one will extract one thing and another something else?"
"It is due to what is called irritability or sensitiveness in plants. One plant is sensitive to the flow of certain juices, and is irritated, so that it is set into activity when different kinds of substances are carried along the pores or deposited in the cells. As a result, this irritation causes the plant to take only certain ones and reject others, and its tissues are thus built up only by such elements as its sensitiveness selects."
The training of the warriors with the new guns was a stirring sight for the boys, who could not help but be present during most of the time during the two days preceding the departure for the country of the Tuolos.
Ralph and Tom begged permission to accompany the party, and this was a natural request, because they had been rescued from this tribe the year before.
It thus happened that the party of warriors, equipped as they had never been before, left the village, with one of the wagons, which was loaded with provisions and ammunition, and the boys took charge of the team.
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It was decided to go north until they reached the level country, which would afford easy travel, and then move to the west and cross the large river which separated the Brabos from the Tuolos, as it would be better to meet them on the extreme western side of the ridge which they occupied.
"Do you remember, Blakely, what kind of country is to be found directly west of their principal village?" asked John.
"I have been over that entire country," responded Blakely.
"When I recovered, the morning of the wreck, I went inland at once," remarked John, "and I never saw the sea again. When you related your story about seeing a certain tribe offering up victims you must have been on the western side of the village."
"Yes; I came up from the sea."
"Well, you see I came down there directly from the north, and I reached the village on the eastern side, and I saw the sacrifice of the captives at the same time you did, but on the opposite side of the village."
"That is very probable. On the western side the country is high, but not difficult to travel across."
The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves on the ground in terror"The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves on the ground in terror"[See p. 95]
[See p. 95]
"That is the exact point I am aiming at. I know that all the way down, from the place wherep. 87I struck into the interior, it would be almost impassable for the wagon."
This settled the route to be taken, and they moved westwardly, after crossing the river, and before night the boys caught the first glimpse of the broad ocean.
In the morning they put out scouts, which went well in advance of the column, and Muro was in charge of them. His instinct as a trailer was inimitable.
Before evening of the second day the scouts announced the first signs of the Tuolos. The village could be reached within two hours' march, but John advised waiting for the following morning before approaching.
During the early evening, however, Muro returned on a hurried trip from the front. "They are having a great feast at the village, and it appears that they will make sacrifices to-night, or to-morrow, so that we should approach as close as possible, and if we find that is their intention, prevent it."
This news stirred all into activity. The column went forward with the utmost caution, although it was dark, and the wagon had to be guided along with great care.
The movement proceeded until nine o'clock, and during the night march Muro had arranged a constant line of communication with John, through his runners. A festival was in progress, and the two victims were plainly seen by John when he and Muro went through the grass and inspected the village.
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The inaction of the whites had entirely disarmed the Tuolos. Indeed, as afterwards learned, they began to think that fear prevented an attack on their village, and no sentinels were posted to warn them of any approaching foe.
While waiting for the return of John and Muro, Ralph and Tom also wandered around the section surrounding the camp. They were in a valley, on both sides of which were ridges running north and south. The moon came out before ten o'clock, and they remembered some of the scenes about them. They had been brought from the south through this identical valley when they were captured by the Tuolos.
They were on the hillside, not five hundred feet from their camp, and were about to descend the hill, when Ralph started back, and grasped Tom's arm.
"What is that dark object directly ahead?"
The dark object was an opening into the hill, but as it was by the side of a projecting rock, it had the appearance of an object. They looked at each other for a moment in silence.
"I wonder if this is another cave, or the one John spoke about?" asked Tom.
"No, that is on the east side of the village. We are below the village. Do you think we had better make an investigation?"
"Yes; but I wish John was here. Come on; we have plenty of help here if we need it."
The opening was approached as noiselessly as possible. It showed a typical cave entrance, through solid rock, or, rather, through what app. 89peared to be a cleavage which had been spread apart. They had no light of any kind, but the discovery was one which interested them, because they knew of the treasure caves existing on the island, and two of them, at least, were within their knowledge, and contained immense hoards.
"Can you strike a match, so we can get some idea of it?" asked Tom.
"I am going to try it at any rate." So saying, the match was lighted, and its beams penetrated the interior. In their eagerness the match was muffled, and went out, but they caught sight of a huge white cross, far beyond, and it seemed to be moving.
"Did you notice that?" asked Tom excitedly.
"Do you mean the cross?"
"Yes."
"It seemed to move up and down."
"I thought so, too."
"I don't care about going any farther without we have some one with us and can have a decent light."
The boys hurried to the camp, and waited for John. When he came they hurriedly related the experience.
"That will do to investigate."
"We saw a cross in there, moving up and down."
"Have we any of the candles with us?" he asked.
"Possibly; I can soon tell."
Tom came back with the news that he had found a box of them.
"As the village is quieting down, we shall have plenty of time to make the examination to-night.p. 90We must wait until Muro returns, so as to get the latest news, and can then start out."
Muro returned shortly after, and together with the boys, went up the hill, and entered the mouth of the cavern. Three candles were lighted. The great cross was before them, but it was such a different thing, now that they were face to face with it. The end of the chamber, which the light penetrated, had four openings to the chambers beyond, two above and two below. These openings were separated from each other, and the white walls between the openings appeared to form the white cross.
It was wonderfully realistic, this fanciful and fantastical carving of nature through the rocky structure.
"But I saw it move; that is sure," said Tom.
"Did you see that move, or was it the light of the match that moved?" asked John. "Imagination plays many a trick, during the excitement of the moment."
John took the light, and by moving it up and down showed how the beams, shining past the glistening walls, would cause the illusion of the cross moving.
The cavern was found to be much broken up as they advanced, and reaching the second set of chambers, it was evident that some one had lately occupied it. Penetrating farther into the interior, they were surprised to see articles of savage clothing, and long reeds, that had been burned at the ends, together with utensils for cooking.
"We have entered one of the homes of the medip. 91cine men of the Tuolos. I have no doubt they are now at the village attending the festivals, and we had better leave as quickly as possible."
Before the entrance was reached they heard a great commotion outside, and their own people rushing to and fro, and as they were emerging three fantastically garbed natives met them. John ordered them to halt in the native tongue, and they stood there irresolute. The boys also leveled their guns at them, and they submitted as Muro and his men rushed up.
The appearance of John and the boys startled Muro beyond expression, as the latter said: "These are the medicine men of the tribe."
"I knew it," responded John. "We have just been investigating the place they live," and he pointed to the mouth of the cavern.
These were the men who performed the sacred rites of the Tuolos, and were called the Krishnos, as they learned from Muro.
"Take them to the camp," ordered John.
Without more ado, they were hustled down to the wagon. It seems that when the Krishnos returned from the village they found themselves in the immediate vicinity of the camp, and in the effort to escape aroused the sentries, who rushed upon them.
If they could have reached the cave, not one of the warriors would have dared to enter it, as their superstitious fears would have prevented them, but outside the cave they had no such feelings. It was fortunate, therefore, that John and the boys were there to prevent them from entering.
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As they were going down the hill, John exhibited a curious cross, He had found it in the cave, just before he advised the boys to go out. It was made of stone, and one of the limbs had a hole near its end, which indicated that it had been carried as a charm.
"Isn't that singular? Why should the natives have the Christian sign of the cross?"
Fig. 11. Stone Cross found in Cave.Fig. 11.StoneCrossfoundinCave.
"That is one of the earliest symbols that the world knows. Its use goes back beyond the earliest period of history. It was the favorite figure used by the astronomers and astrologers of the ancient Babylonians, fully four or five thousand years ago. The clay tablets and stone monuments of the Persians contained them; the Hittites, in the earliest Jewish times, used them; and the ancient Egyptians decorated the High Priests officiating in the temples with figures of the cross."
"It seems to me that if it was used by peoples in different parts of the earth, there must have been some reason for it."
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"One of the well-known forms found in the inscriptions shows the cross within a circle. This seems to be the meaning of the phrase in Isaiah which says the 'four ends of the earth.' In Bible times the earth was known to be round, so that the expression used in the Bible about the 'circle of the earth,' and the four ends, seem to point clearly to the cross within the circle, to indicate the four points of the compass."
Fig. 12. Ancient Crosses.Fig. 12.AncientCrosses.
"So the Christians took an old form and made it their symbol?"
"Yes; the Roman cross, used at the crucifixion, had the lower stem longer than the other, and from this fact that form became the Cross of Christianity."
The uproar created by the pursuit attracted the attention of the warriors in the village, who ran to and fro, and soon learned the cause of the disturbance.
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The camp was kept quiet, however, but the scouts watched the excitement created, and reported the results at frequent intervals. Muro knew they would not desert the village, as they would not be likely to leave it at the mercy of their enemies, at least without a fight.
John confronted the medicine men as soon as the wagon was reached.
"Why do your people make war, and refuse to treat with us?"
"Because you have no right to come and try to kill us."
"Why did you imprison our people, and offer up some of them as a sacrifice?"
"Because your people fought us."
"You lie; you took those who were defenseless, and had no weapons. You do not tell the truth."
"The Great Spirit told us to kill you."
"Why do you try to lie to me. I do not believe you. The Great Spirit never told you so. He would not speak to you."
"The white man does not know. He speaks to us."
"Where does he speak to you?"
"In the sacred cave."
"How does he tell you?"
"With wonderful signs."
"Tell me some of the wonderful signs."
"He makes a great light, and we read it in the light. He makes a great noise, and we know what he says."
"Does he make a great light and a great noise up there?" and John pointed up to the heavens.
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"Yes."
"Then why did you lie to me when you said that he speaks to you in the cave?"
"We can understand it only in the cave."
While they were thus speaking John held the stone cross in his hand, and the Krishnos eyed him curiously. He finally saw the movement, and, quick as a flash, he reached down in his pocket, unobserved by them, and drew forth one of the wooden matches, which they had made at the Cataract.
"What is this?" he asked sternly, pointing to the cross.
They raised their hands and rolled their eyes upwardly, as though about to pronounce a malediction on John. He deftly drew the match along the rear side of the stone, and as it blazed forth into light, he thrust it forward into their faces.
The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves on the ground in terror.
"The Great Spirit told me that you lied, and he is about to come out of the stone and consume you. He will follow you everywhere unless you go to the Tuolos at once and tell them that the Great Spirit has told you to give up the captives, and to never again kill any of them. You must tell them we have been sent to make them our friends, and that if they do not follow this advice we will punish them."
The Krishnos cringed before John. It was obvious to the surrounding warriors that the words they had heard had an ominous import, and they saw how feeble were the devices of the so-calledp. 96wise men when pitted against the knowledge of John.
John assumed a most tragic attitude, as he slowly raised his arm and pointed with his finger to the savage village. "Go," he said, "and bring back to me the answer before the morning sun comes up."
They hesitated. "Do you fear to go? Are the wise men cowards? Did the Great Spirit tell you to fear the Tuolos? Shall we go and sacrifice all your people?"
"They will not believe us; they will kill us."
"Then they, too, know you have lied to them. If you remain here you will not be safe, because the great light might destroy you."
Then turning to Muro he said: "Take these men to their village, and see that they are forced to meet their chiefs," and with an imperious air he turned from them.
Muro's warriors were not too gentle with them. The spell of savage witchcraft had been broken. John and all of them knew it. They were hustled forward in the darkness, and as they approached the village Muro told them to advise the chiefs in his presence what John had said.
Muro and the warriors, with the loaded guns, remained at a safe distance, and the Krishnos entered the village. They waited in silence for more than an hour, and then a commotion was noticed, which grew more intense as the voices increased in volume.
In the meantime John with the rest of the warriors came up quietly in the rear, and, after conp. 97sulting with Blakely and Muro, the village was surrounded.
The boys saw the large hut where they were confined, after being captured, and from which they were rescued. Calling John's attention to it, Ralph said: "That big house is the place they kept us, and that is where you found us."
John looked at them in surprise. He did not know this, as at the time the boys were rescued he was in mental darkness, and did not recall the incident.
It was obvious that some tragedy was being enacted. While awaiting the result of the conference Muro was away instructing the pickets who were around the village. He soon appeared, bringing with him two Tuolos whose dress betokened them as belonging to the same order as the individuals who had been sent into the village.
Calling John aside he said:
"The Tuolos have two rival sets of medicine men. These belong to the other set, and are the ones who perform the religious rites."
"Where did you find them?"
"Directly east of the village."
"Were they going to the village?"
"Yes."
"Did they come from the hill on the east side?"
John mused for a while, and then said quietly to Muro: "They came from a cave on the hill, where they perform their rites, and it is a place I want to see. It is one of the reasons I insisted on coming to settle matters first with the Tuolos."
Muro was astounded at the information, as hep. 98asked: "How do you know there is a cave in the hill?"
"Because I have been in it, and I know what it contains. They are having trouble in the village with the Krishnos we sent there."
"Yes," responded Muro; "and they have sent for the others, as they do not believe what they have told the chiefs."
"I will question the ones you have brought in."
The two captured were brought before John. They stood before him in defiant attitude, and some of the Brabo warriors cringed at their frowning mien.
"Why were you going to the village?" he asked with a severe frown.
At this question they scarcely deigned to move their heads, and were silent. The question was repeated, but they refused to answer. This was carrying out the very line of conduct which Muro had advised John would be the case, and in concert they had mapped out a course of action.
"Tell me, Muro, have any of your people the same fear of these Krishnos as the others possess in the various tribes?"
"It is the universal belief in the various tribes that to offend them means death. The only ones who are supreme are the chiefs, who often imprison them, but even the chiefs dare not kill them."
"Will your people carry out our command if we do not order them killed?"
"My people will do whatever I say, even though it be to kill them. They saw how the other Krishp. 99nos quaked when you made the fire come out of the stone."
"Then, if they refuse to answer me, I will order them to be beaten. You will understand."
"That will be done with pleasure," he answered.
It was obvious to all that the Krishnos considered themselves immune from the threats of John, as they stood there and seemed to breathe imprecations on the heads of their captors.
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The situation was a tense one to the entire party, and John moved forward, placing himself directly in front of them.
"Do you think the Great Spirit can prevent us from punishing you? If you do not answer immediately I will call on him to lay stripes on you. Do you answer?"
He stepped back slowly, and then suddenly spoke out the warning signal that he had arranged with Muro, and instantly six of the most powerful Saboros sprang upon them and bound them together face to face. John stood there with arms folded. He raised a hand, and two of the warriors raised the supple and toughened twigs, and brought them down on their bare backs.
It was all done with such wonderful celerity and precision that it astounded the circle of warriors beyond measure, and the effect was doubly so to the two Krishnos. John had staged this to produce the greatest effect. The Krishnos were bound with their heads side by side, and a cloth put over their heads, so that they had no knowledge who their tormentors were.
They danced about, and in their shrieks called out imprecations on their enemies, but soon, as the blows continued, begged for mercy, and Muro signaled them to cease.
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The cloth was removed and John again addressed them. They again persevered in their silence, and at a motion the cloth was again placed over their heads.
Before the second chastisement began they yielded and the cords were released.
"You see the Great Spirit did not come to your assistance. Why were you going to the village?"
"To tell the chiefs not to yield to you."
"The Great Spirit has told me to tell you that the Tuolos must give up their captives, and cease war. Will you tell the chief so?"
"The Great Spirit did not tell you so," they defiantly answered.
At a signal from John the cords were again brought into play, and the cloth exhibited. At this sight they pleaded for mercy, and promised to do as John requested. They were released and conducted to the outer line of pickets, and quickly disappeared within the village.
It was now nearly four in the morning, and the first streaks of light began to show in the east. Muro knew the Tuolo character. They regarded themselves to be the superiors of all the tribes, and hitherto had treated the others with contempt, excepting the Illyas, whom they respected only because they were the most powerful.
"They are having a warm time discussing the situation," remarked John, as he noted the surging inhabitants. That there was indecision became apparent, and the condition of the Krishnos more precarious, as light began to give them ap. 102more decided glimpse of the activities in the village.
Soon warriors were noticed rushing to and from the large circle within which the Krishnos sat. Bows and spears were hurriedly grasped.
"What does it mean?" asked John.
"It is likely they know they are surrounded, and have decided to defend themselves," answered Muro.
A warrior of distinguished appearance emerged from the circle, and advanced toward the position occupied by John. Muro beckoned to John, and together they moved into the open. The warrior saw the two approaching, and he halted.
Turning to his band he spoke a word, and another no less distinguished stepped from the rank and moved toward him.
"The first one is the chief, and the other one he called to follow is the next in rank. As there are two of us, so must there be two on his side."
John and Muro advanced without halting, and as they neared each other the chief, in the most haughty manner, addressed Muro as follows:
"Why do you come to make war on my people?"
Muro, taking his cue from John's previous attitude, rose to his full height and replied: "You have always been the aggressor against the other people, and you have within the last moon killed and taken two Brabos in captivity, and we demand their return."
"That I will not do."
"Then the White Chief will speak to you."
John advanced and began the conversation.p. 103"The white people do not desire war. You captured two of my people and I took them from you with only four men. All the tribes but you and the Illyas have united to compel you to submit, and you shall not again be free to murder and injure other people.
"If you want war, we are prepared to fight you. Your village is surrounded, and we have the fire guns which will compel you to yield. If you will surrender, we will see to it that you and your people shall not be harmed, but if you resist you will be killed. You cannot escape."
The chief was stunned, and could not answer. John saw the impression the address had made, and proceeded: "What did the Krishnos tell you? Did they not tell you to surrender? Did they not tell you that they lied when they said the Great Spirit wanted you to kill us?"
The chief was silent. Was he debating the matter in his mind? John continued: "When this speaks," he said, pointing to his gun, "all of the fire guns about your village will speak."
"How shall we know you will keep your word?"
Muro held up his hand, as he spoke: "Ask the Kurabus whether the White Chief keeps his word."
Before he could reply, John added: "The White Chief keeps his word. He believes the people here will keep their word if they know the others will do so. He has armed the tribes who have allied themselves with him, because he believes in them, and we do not want to make you captives, or offer sacrifices of your brave men."
"The White Chief speaks wisely," said Muro.p. 104"He does not believe in making sacrifices. The Great Spirit has told him that is wrong."
Still the chief pondered, and, slowly raising his head, said: "I believe the white man, and what he says. I will tell my people."
He turned and moved toward the village, John and Muro remaining there, as an indication that they expected an immediate answer.
"He will yield," said Muro, "and according to custom, will first tell his people what his decision is."
Muro was right. Within a half hour the chief advanced at the head of his warriors, the latter of whom had left their bows and spears at the circle, and the two stood ready to receive them.
As the two chiefs appeared the warriors lined up behind them.
"I have brought my warriors here to show you that we will be friends." And John advanced and took the hand of the chief.
"In my country we become friends when we take each other's hands, and I am glad to see that you have wisdom to accept us as your friends."
At a signal from Muro, the warriors advanced from all sides, and together they marched into the village, the different ones telling the Tuolos the wonderful things the White Chief was doing, and how they were bringing all the tribes together, and making them stop war.
The first act of the Tuolo chief was to liberate the two Brabo warriors. When the wagon was driven into the village, the people gathered around the curious contrivance. Some of them rememp. 105bered it when it was there nearly a year before, but under quite different circumstances.
The boys, Ralph and Tom, soon attracted the attention of the chief. He went up to them, and simulating the act of John, held out his hand. The boys understood it, and respectfully responded and saluted the chief, in regular military fashion.
Then, climax to the foregoing events, Blakely gave a word of command to the fifty who were armed with the guns, and for the benefit of their new allies, put them through a manual of arms. The precision with which this was done, and the remarkable manner in which the subsequent evolutions were performed, astonished the Tuolos.
While this was going on there was little time to notice the condition of the Krishnos. They had been bound; and were now lying in disgrace at the place where the circle had been formed, trembling at their fate.
Before preparations had been made for breakfast, the chief gave a command, and a number of warriors rushed up to the poor fellows, and began to drag them to the large hut.
Muro motioned to John, and quietly said: "They will probably torture them."
John appeared before the chief and said: "The Great Spirit will be offended if you injure the Krishnos."
"What would you have me do with them?"
"Give them to me."
The chief ordered them to be brought forward, and spoke to them: "The White Chief has askedp. 106me not to injure you, and at his command I have given you to him."
This announcement seemed to stun them, but Muro was quick to assure them that the White Chief meant no harm.
The boys took complete satisfaction in going over to the large hut, to again witness the place where they had spent two weeks in terror, expecting that each day would be their last.
But we must return to the Professor and the colony. Two days after the departure of John and his force, the second insulting message came from the Illyas, in which the statement was made that they and the Tuolos had united to drive the White Chief from the country and to destroy the tribes who were allied against them.
A messenger was sent after John, but this was not necessary, as the Tuolos were in their power before the messenger came.
The Professor had ordered the building of a number of small houses, each containing two or three rooms, and these were plainly fitted up for comfort. Some of the natives became quite expert at putting up these structures when once directed.
George and Jim were set to work, with a half dozen of the men, at building chairs and tables for the houses, and the work of weaving the cloth goods was not interrupted for a moment. As stated, the women began to drift in, and the Professor welcomed them. When they arrived, many of them with their children, the Professor assigned them and their husbands to these cottages.
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This was an intense delight to them. Each cottage had a small patch of ground surrounding it, and the first care was to advise them how to lay off and plant flowers about the place, to make the surroundings attractive.
It must not be thought that the houses were gifts. It was not the purpose to instill the idea that this work was one of charity. Instead each head of a family was made to understand that he must pay for the home, and this was done in as simple a manner as possible, so it would be appreciated and understood.
Individual effort was stimulated on the part of the different workers. As fast as the members of a worker's family arrived, they were installed in houses, and then began a new system of providing for their keep. Hitherto, they had boarded at the expense of the common fund; but now this was gradually changed, and they were informed that each family must provide its own food, and that those who did so would receive a larger number of coins.
This resulted in each one trying to find some new direction in which they could get the coins. It is curious how this new phase of living brought out traits common to humanity everywhere. Some more eager than others, and having less honesty than the common run of natives, sought to get their sustenance by resorting to trickery and thievery.
In their native state this was not considered a crime. It was commendable, unless detected. But by constant talk, on the part of the Professor, and by example, he instilled into the policemen, whichp. 108he had installed, the principles of honesty. He awarded those who were vigilant, and the result was that they were most acute to detect the rogues.
The first thief was caught the day after John's party had gone. He was immediately brought before the Professor. The arrest of a thief was such a new proceeding that the workers could not be kept at work, and the Professor suggested that they should all be present at the trial.
The inquiry was conducted with decorum, Harry being appointed to prosecute him, and George to defend the prisoner. George did it vigorously, too, but it was a plain and palpable case, and he was found guilty. This proceeding was another entirely new manner of treating an offender, and the people marveled at the attempt to defend the thief.
The Professor saw the cause of the wonderment, and said: "We do not defend the wrong, but we believe that each man who is charged with a crime should be permitted to defend himself. If he does not know how to properly defend himself, then it is our duty to see that he is protected in all his rights, for he is not a criminal until it is proven."
"He has tried to explain why he took the goods, but you know what he has said was not true, and he must be punished for it. He must work two moons without getting any of the coins, and if he repeats the crime, he must work until he restores the value of the goods taken, so that each one will know that a thief cannot take things from another without paying for it."
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The incident for a long time deterred anyone from repeating the offense. It was an object lesson, because it instilled a respect for a law which was fair to all.
Suros, the chief of the Berees, was the most impressed by the scene, and could not express himself too forcibly at the wonderful effect which the principle would have on the tribes in their dealings with each other. He was really an intelligent native, far ahead of the others in his comprehension of the duties of one to the other.
The fact that he was regarded with reverence by all but the Kurabus, and was even respected by them, was a strong factor in determining the Professor to set in motion a form of government which it was hoped would forever terminate all bitterness of feeling between the tribes, and which will be detailed hereafter.
During the day on which the Tuolos submitted, the two chiefs, together with John, Blakely and Muro, were frequently in consultation.
"The Great White Chief, who rules all of us, wishes to see you, and you must bring fifty of your warriors with you to his village," said John. "He will show you how you can be made strong, and your people happy. He will tell you what our purpose is, and what the Great Spirit asks you to do. We will start in the morning."
The chief, to the surprise of all, did not demur at this. That night John called in Blakely, Muro, Ralph and Tom.
"I want you to go with me to the cave on the hill to the east. There are some things which belongp. 110to us. We shall take them, since they are of no use to the people here, and we may be able to put some of the things in such a condition that they will be of value to the people on the island."
The wagon was taken along, and the people wondered at the strange proceedings. Many of them followed, but Muro warned them to remain behind. It was evident to all, however, that they were going to the Krishno cave, and its purport was a mystery to them.
John's sense of direction did not deceive him. He soon found the entrance on the village side, and, lighting the candles, immediately entered the cavern. John led the way, as his experience in its hollows enabled him to point out the direction to be taken.
The interior, lighted up by the candles, was most weird and beautiful. The stalactite hangings were not massive, but showed the most delicate tracings, in the first chamber reached. This was the western wing of the great interior cross which John had previously described.
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