The warm summer days were now at hand, and all realized that this was the proper time to carry out the long-delayed project of fully exploring the western shore of their little continent. This had been deferred before John came, in order that more complete preparations could be made, and to await settled weather, and now that he was here further delay had been urged in the hope that memory would be restored and thus give them an addition that could be depended on. One puzzling feature of his malady was that he understood, in a measure, what was told him, but it was noticed that whatever was spoken had to be accompanied by some manual action. If told to get a pail of water, he would remain inactive until a pail was taken up or pointed out. So in yoking up the yaks, merely pointing at the yokes would be sufficient to start the lagging memory. He quickly learned to manipulate the guns, and spent hours in practicing by shooting at the target.
Singular as it may seem, he showed some intelligence at the good shots, but all these flashes were momentary only, and it was further noticed that he would remember an act performed the day before and repeat it in precisely the same way. It was like an imitative process, and the Professor suggested that he was now in the condition of a child, learning all things anew, to which was added some glimpses of things he had learned before.
A new wagon was necessary, as the one which had been used for the past eight months was clumsy and badly worn. All took a part in this important work, and it was here that the workmanlike qualities of John showed themselves. He was a treasure in this respect. The lathe was a pleasure to him, and so with bench work, and within ten days a new and larger wagon was turned out.
"I only wish," said Harry, "that we could paint it up, and thus make a real finished article out of it."
"Your idea is a good one, but in order to make a lead paint will take too long a time to provide a carbonate which will answer the purpose."
"Why does it take so long?"
"We have plenty of lead, but to get the base for the paint it will be necessary to cast a lot of thin gratings, and use earthen pots, partly filled with vinegar. A layer of the lead gratings must then be put down and the earthen pot stood on them and partly filled with acetic acid, or vinegar. A board should cover each pot and spent tannin bark placed around them. This must be built up in the form of a stack. Fermentation soon sets in, and the result will be the formation of carbonic acid, and in five or six weeks the metallic lead converted into what is called the carbonate which may be washed and ground up with oil, and sold as the white lead of commerce."
"Instead of that what should we use?"
"We have plenty of flax, as you know. From that we can make linseed oil, and with a proper coloring matter, which is not necessary, however, we can provide a paint that will be very serviceable."
"Then why not use the madder dye which we made for dyeing the flag?"
"Just the thing. In addition we must have a dryer of some kind. I suggest that we distil some of the rosin, or the sap from the pitch pine trees, for that purpose."
"What kind of product shall we obtain from that?"
"Turpentine."
Thus day after day passed in preparation, each hour, almost, suggesting some new addition to their stock, which would contribute to protection, comfort, or necessity. Among other things suggested, in order to relieve them as much as possible from carrying such a large burden in the way of provisions, was the making of synthetic foods.
George had this in mind for some days before he broached the subject to the Professor. "I understood you to say that if we had synthetic foods we could carry several weeks' rations about our persons, and the load would not be a heavy or perceptible one at that? If such is the case, why can't we prepare some of the food in that way as a matter of precaution? What is the meaning of the word 'synthetic,' and how is such food made?"
"The word is the direct opposite of 'analyses.' In analyzing, the elements composing any substance are separated from each other. In synthesis the different elements are put together to form the substance. Thus, take water as an illustration: Its component parts are two parts of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Knowing this to be the case, the chemist takes that many parts of oxygen and hydrogen, and by uniting them water is formed which is just as much a true water as though it fell from the heavens or was taken from a well or spring."
We should not go far out of the way in stating that the Professor was putting in some time in this direction, while the other work was going on, and this was confirmed later on when he requested Harry to furnish a number of small tubes like those used for the powder, and it was noticed that a quantity of bamboo was taken to the laboratory and cut up into short sections.
The guns and ammunition were now ready, a supply of food had been prepared, and George insisted on baking a quantity of barley bread, which was carefully wrapped up, so that it would not be dried out or be liable to get wet. The wagon was admirably adapted for the purpose. The wheels were not extraordinarily large, but they had wide treads, and the body was high at the sides so as to serve as a fortress in case of trouble. An extra yoke was taken, a supply of sugar and also of honey put in the vessels which the cave supplied, and only a small store of vegetables, as they depended on finding these en route.
The start was agreed upon for the following morning. Observation Hill was visited, and a new inscription affixed to the pole, so that any passing ship might know their plight, and be able to direct its course to the west. The value of the chart made by the Professor was now appreciated, as that was also tacked up in its proper place.
Jack and Jill were the yaks selected for the journey, as they were tried and true, and had now grown to be strong and well domesticated. Freedom was given to the cattle, and all the buildings closed up. This was done to secure the interiors from intrusion on the part of animals. An inscription was also placed on the door of the house.
Promptly at nine o'clock the company, consisting of the Professor, Harry, George, John and Angel, started on the journey across Wonder Island. This was their sixth trip, only one of them by sea.
Would this be any more successful than the preceding ones?
On the march up Cataract River, and out toward the forest, the same order was observed as on the previous trips. One must lead the way, and act as scout, while the others were to remain with the team. They did not anticipate much difficulty during the first two or three days from savages, but it was always well to have some one in the lead so as to point out the most desirable paths, as it must be remembered they had to make their own trails through a wilderness. Much of it had been traveled, it is true, but there was nothing approaching such a thing as a road, or even a path, by which they could be guided.
It was amusing to watch Angel, as he glided along from one tree to the next, where the forests were in their paths. At other times he would be in the wagon, or shamble along, and sometimes leap on the backs of the yaks and ride there. The patient animals were so used to him that no attention was paid to his antics, even though he occasionally sat on the yoke between the animals.
John was an interested observer of all the preparations, and was one of the first to take his place alongside of the wagon. When the Professor urged him to take a seat he looked up inquiringly, but did not comply. The Professor did not urge him, but after several hours of walking, he was again asked to mount, and he did so, thereby seeming to understand what was required of him.
When they camped at noon for the first meal, they were still on the banks of the Cataract, but here it took a decided turn to the west; and now the course for the afternoon must be to the southwest so the South River could be reached above the falls.
That river was reached early in the afternoon, and they recognized the trail formerly made on the first journey along its banks. The first encampment for the night was probably twenty miles from home, but the next morning, after they had struck into an entirely new section of the island, the journey grew more burdensome, as the land on both sides of the stream became rough, and in many places the small streams crossed offered such steep sides that frequent detours had to be made to enable the team to get across.
During the second day they did not, on account of this, cover more than ten miles, and near the close of the day a second falls was reached, showing that they were going up to a much higher altitude. Above the falls the river turned abruptly to the south, and within five miles of it the river forked, one branch going south and the other southwest.
They were on the branch going west, and that course was followed, but still the country was rough, and now became thickly wooded, which added to the discomfort of traveling with a team. Magnificent trees grew on every side, and in most places sprang up clear to the water's edge.
"You have here a good illustration," remarked the Professor, "as to the source of the debris which is found on the shores of the island. The streams carry down the logs, trees and leaves, which, after being washed out to sea, are finally left along the beaches."
Our voyagers had passed many nights in the forests before, but this was the first time they had come across such impenetrable jungles. The large trees were actually so close together at many places that the wagon had to be backed and worked around for long distances to enable them to make any forward movements.
Before noon of the third day it became so discouraging that they stopped to consider the situation. Possibly a route away from the river would be much better, and that course was decided on, so that the direction agreed on was west, with a slight trend to the north.
The reason why the course along the river would be the most direct was judged from the fact that the lights, which they saw from their boat, made the location of the savages fully fifty miles or over from the northernmost cape where they had been cast ashore a few weeks before.
The travel must, therefore, be to the southwest, and not to the west, but at the rate they were going, with every hour more difficult, it was hoped that the new course would in the end be quicker. All of that day the struggle was a strenuous one, and when night came all were exhausted, and were ready to retire as soon as the meal was over.
They were in the midst of the thickest forest, and up to this time all had retired, as they did on this occasion. The yaks were enclosed in a railing made of small trees, so as to protect them, and the two mattresses within the covered body made comfortable beds for all.
Strange sounds occasionally disturbed them, but caused no particular alarm, until Angel began to grow restless, about two in the morning. George tried to quiet him, but he persisted in giving the alarm. Suddenly a howl and a shriek awoke the occupants of the wagon and as each arose he instinctively grasped a weapon. The sounds came from two animals, one of which was close by; the other at a greater distance.
"The one near us seems to be a wildcat, or an animal which utters a characteristic shriek of that kind, but I am not sure as to the identity of the other animal," remarked the Professor, as he listened intently to the hideous howls and shrieks.
It was pitch dark, so that it was impossible to recognize anything in the wagon, and of course the dense forests only added to the gloom, although the sky could be faintly seen directly above them through the scraggly leaves. The Professor searched for one of the lanterns, when he heard the yaks becoming uneasy, and running back and forth in the little enclosure.
John was awake, and his eyes seemed to have a sort of glimmer as the light flared up. The rear end of the wagon led directly into the pen where the animals were, and no sooner had the light rays illuminated the enclosure than a heavy object sprang from an adjoining tree and landed on one of the yaks.
The latter was thrown across the pen with the impact of the force, and the Professor, who had the lamp, could not level his gun, but without a moment's hesitation John's gun was at his shoulder, and he fired before either of the boys could recover themselves in the excitement.
The firing of the gun seemed to raise pandemonium. The sudden appearance of the light, as the animal made the leap, disconcerted him, and the shot following immediately, caused him to utter a terrific growl. John grasped the Professor's gun and shot the second time, and the shot was at blank range. The animal gave a slight spring forward, and fell across a tree trunk which was at one side of the enclosure, and on which they had arranged the cooking utensils the night before.
This was exciting enough for one night's adventure, but as John and the boys were about to descend a crash in the trees to the right caused them to halt. The Professor held out his light, but the thick wood and the dense underbrush prevented any examination more than thirty or forty feet beyond.
The eagerness of the boys to return to the wagon caused the Professor to loose his grip on the lamp, and before he could recover the hold, it fell to the ground and was extinguished. The yaks appeared to be in a frenzy now, and the howling beyond increased in intensity. After a search the lamp was relit, and the two others also brought out and lighted, and the appearance of the light caused a hurried retreat of the howling beasts.
"It is a puma," were the Professor's first words, "the most enormous specimen I ever saw."
"Well, these woods must be full of them, by the way they howled."
The yaks were calmed down after some effort, and it was found that the shoulder of Jack had been lacerated by the claws of the puma, but beyond that no damage was done. Both of John's shots had taken effect, and it delighted the Professor to point to the wound and then indicate, as best he could, how they owed him a debt for his skill.
The carcass was dragged out of the enclosure to keep the yaks quiet, and when this was done they seemed relieved.
"I would like to know what the other animal was?"
"It is my opinion that it was a companion to this one. They, like all animals, have a means for communicating their ideas to each other. Some English scientists have found that the hen utters twenty-three distinct notes, and that they convey different meanings. One single note, differing from another, may convey the meaning of an entire sentence uttered by man. The particular purring of a cat in one way means one thing, and when emitted in a slightly altered tone indicates something entirely different. Then, again, most animal sounds are accompanied by some distinctive movement, as, for instance, the striking squeal of a hen, accompanied by the crouching attitude, together indicate the appearance of a hawk as plainly as though it uttered the warning in words. It is obvious, therefore, that all the sounds made by animals, such as cackling, clucking, crooning, purring, crowing, growling, and roaring, as well as modifications of these sounds, impart some meaning which can be distinguished by their kind, and are frequently recognized by others."
This explanation appealed to George. "I know the moment Angel is pleased, or when he is excited, and now that I think of it, I am sure that he has several ways of expressing his meaning, and I am going to try and see whether I can tell the difference hereafter when he tries to talk."
There was little sleep that night, except on the part of John, who was soon asleep. When morning broke they had an opportunity to examine the dead animal. It had a uniform gray color, fading into a white in the under part of its body, and with a very long, supple tail.
"The animal is sometimes called the panther, or 'painter,' as it is familiarly known; and it is regarded by some authorities as the cougar. It inhabits the whole of America. Its home is among the branches of trees, and is a dangerous antagonist when wounded or cornered."
This incident made them desirous of quitting the forest by the nearest route, but this was difficult to determine, as there were no elevated hills in sight. In the forenoon of the third day, other animals were sighted, and George, who was in the lead during the first part of the trip, did not have the courage to go ahead very far, and soon after the start was made, John came up and accompanied him, an act entirely voluntary on his part, which increased the astonishment of them all.
It is impossible to account for these remarkable actions of the human mind while in such a state. Did he realize the danger to his friends? Who can answer the riddle?
But they must go on. The forest must be conquered. How far they had to go was a mystery to them. One thing was certain: they were going toward West River, but they were still less than half way. It would have been the part of prudence to have taken the route to the north, through a country which they had twice traversed, and which afforded far better traveling, but it could not be helped now.
The fourth day did not improve their condition in the least. The dense wood was on every side. The inclination of the ground was so slight as to give no indication whether they had reached the summit of the tableland, or were still ascending to a higher level.
In estimating the distance traveled in the four days it could not be possible that they were over fifty miles from the Cataract. To add to their perplexities, Jack began to walk with a perceptible limp. The wound in the shoulder was inflamed, and a rest was necessary.
In this emergency a council was called, and the Professor suggested that some of the party should conduct an exploring expedition on foot to the west, going not to exceed five miles, and then return. But as it was too near night to make the attempt at once, it was agreed that an early start should be made in the morning.
The question now arose, who should go. Neither made a suggestion until Harry ventured this opinion: "I am perfectly willing to take John with me. I am sure he can be trusted. It will be imposing too much of a burden on you," said he, looking at the Professor, "and I am active and strong enough to stand the trip."
This suggestion was acted on, and early in the morning Harry took a quantity of ammunition, and the Professor gave John a similar supply and a couple of the guns, one of which was strapped to his back, similar to the manner in which Harry was equipped. The attention of John was then directed to the forest in the west, and as Harry moved away he followed with a comprehensive glance that gave all of them the greatest relief. Prior to their departure, the yak's wound was examined, and John saw this as well, so that from all indications they would have no reason to have fears on his account.
As usual, their bolos were taken along, and at intervals the trees were blazed on both sides, this action being performed by John with a regularity and precision that astonished Harry.
Traveling under those conditions was not conducive to speed, but they were now trying to find what lay beyond them, and to learn, if possible, how much farther the dense growth existed beyond them. They went on for three hours or more, and still no change, and they stopped to rest.
Imagine yourself surrounded by these conditions. A companion who could not talk, and who was, in all probability, demented, the eternal silence, except as it would be occasionally startled into life by some living thing; unable to even indicate his thoughts, or to consult with him, as to direction, or to talk about the probabilities beyond them, and you will feel that it took a brave heart to continue the journey. But Harry possessed determination. He made up his mind to go on, until he could find some news to take back, and so the quest continued for two hours more.
But Harry had forgotten that they started without food, and that it would take them as long to get back as they had already journeyed, and it was now fully noon.
It seemed as though a hundred feet away it appeared clearer, but this delusion had been repeated so often that he tired of it, and when, after a rest, another start was made, he mentally made up his mind that if he could not find a clearing within the next half hour they must return.
The clearing beyond did not deceive him this time. He clearly saw an elevation beyond, and he almost shouted, but he did not stop and laugh in his joy at the sight. John saw it and instinctively knew its meaning. Then, motioning to him, he pointed back in the direction of the wagon, and started to retrace his steps.
It was past noon, and Harry was hungry. John turned and followed and, glancing at the sun, drew a small package from his coat, and handed Harry several slices of barley bread. It affected him so much that he could scarcely contain himself, and he could not help putting his arm about him and indicate that his forethought and kind act was appreciated, and John looked at Harry inquiringly, and proceeded to eat his luncheon.
Judging the time which had elapsed since the start in the morning, it would take them fully five hours to retrace their steps, as the glazed trees showed them the way readily, and they could, therefore, make the trip in less than six hours consumed up to this time, so that they would be back before six in the evening, but they had found the outlet, and determination had won.
The passage back through the forest was made with a happy heart, and after they had gone two hours, John suddenly stopped, and grasped Harry by the arm as he peered forward. Harry heard something before them. Crackling leaves, and finally voices, were distinguished. They thought the team must be miles away. John moved forward fully fifty feet, and Harry followed. Soon the wagon top came in sight, and Harry bounded along the blazed trail, with a cry, of relief.
Jack's lacerated shoulder was not as bad as had been anticipated, and toward noon the lameness was not so perceptible, so that, in order to save time, it was concluded to follow the blazed path, which could be made out easily, thus bringing them together fully three hours earlier than Harry had anticipated.
Harry explained what had been seen to the west, and that three or four hours more of hard travel would bring them to an open country which, in all probability, led to the West River.
All was eagerness now, and they pressed forward, hoping to be able to reach the open country before night set in.
George's patience in teaching Angel was most commendable. Hours were devoted to this work. Even before leaving home the animal would recognize certain sounds, and performed many acts at the word of command. Such words as "come," "go," "take this," and others usually employed, were fully comprehended, and the names of Harry and the Professor were understood.
Frequent tests were made by George and the Professor, acting in concert, as this phase of the education greatly interested the latter, to ascertain whether the orang performed the services from an understanding of the meaning of the words, or whether it proceeded merely from the constant repetitions of the words and acts conjointly.
The value of this proceeding will be made apparent to the reader as we proceed in this history; but when they were educating Angel the idea of utilizing his future services, in a critical time, did not occur to them.
They camped for the night at the end of the trail; and now they hoped that the morrow would open the route over a more comfortable path than the last three days had offered them. Before going an hour on the way, a campfire was found, which evidently had been used not many days before.
There had not been any rains in their section of the country for ten days previous to this, and it was obvious that no rain had fallen on the ashes of this fire. From this it must be inferred that whoever made the fire must have been there recently.
The utmost vigilance would be necessary, in view of this discovery. The wagon moved forward slowly. Every part of the country within the limits of the trail was under scrutiny, and every sound and moving object fully investigated before proceeding. This made travel necessarily slow. The underbrush was very thick, and but few trees remained, and those were scattered, mostly in clumps or in detached groups.
Harry looked at the tall trees longingly many times, and the Professor divined his meaning. "I have a notion to try prospecting from one of these trees. We can, no doubt, see more from them than we can learn in a day's travel. But trees of that kind are pretty hard to climb."
"It might be done with a climbing ring," answered the Professor.
"What is that?"
"The cocoanut hunters and others put a hoop around a tree, and then get inside of the hoop, with the back against the hoop, so that the feet can get a purchase against the tree, and in that way the trees are scaled with the greatest agility."
"Well, if the savages can do it, I can."
"It might be well to make the trial, as even thirty or forty feet would give a fair view of the country. Before making the hoop we should select a tree most suitable for observation."
An oak tree with a bare trunk up to the first large limb was finally selected. The diameter was fully two feet at the base.
"With a tree of this size the hoop should be about three and a half feet in diameter."
"What material shall we make it out of?"
"If we can find a small hickory sapling it will be the most serviceable, because its natural strength and stiffness will permit us to use a small and light pole."
A search was made, and after a time several were cut and brought to the tree. The thick end of the sapling was cut or pared off along one side so it would bend in the direction of the slice, and this was put about the tree and the ends brought together and lapped. Thongs were then used to splice the lapped ends, and small nails driven in at intervals to assure security.
The use of hoops of this kind requires practice, and the natives use their bare feet against the tree, which prevents slipping. Harry, however, had shoes; not a very good thing to use against the bark, and after numerous trials both boys found the task a trying one. Their bare feet were too tender to use against the rough bark, and as a last resort one of the old pair of shoes was brought out, and studded with nails.
The climber gets inside the hoop, with the latter around the tree, and resting against the small of the back, or a little higher up. The feet are then braced against the tree, and the hoop grasped by both hands. In climbing the body is suddenly moved toward the tree, and this motion temporarily releases the outward pressure against the hoop, and at the same moment the hoop is moved upwardly about a foot. One or both feet then make an upward step, and this process is repeated.
More than an hour was occupied in learning to manipulate the hoop, so as to progress upwardly, and at the end of that time Harry made a slow and careful ascent to the first limb, a distance of thirty feet, stopping at intervals, as he made his way up, to view the ever-increasing landscape, and to take the needed rest.
"Do you see anything, Harry?" was George's eager questioning, as he moved upwardly.
"Nothing yet," was the invariable reply. When the first limb was reached he seated himself, and had an opportunity to view the surroundings from a far better vantage point.
"Can you see the river?" was the Professor's inquiry.
"It is too hazy to make out anything there. It is clearer to the south."
"What can you see to the southwest?"
Harry scanned the country in that direction for some time before replying. "All I can see there are trees, trees, just like the forest we have been going through; but directly west of us we would have comparatively easy traveling. The forest seems to extend southwest, and we have been traveling through it at an angle. If I could get higher I might have a better view."
He ascended fifteen feet higher, but even at that point the forest hid the view to the southwest.
"From your examination I judge our only hope is to reach the river and travel down its banks?"
"Yes; because we don't want any more of the forest with the team."
"Before we go, let us take off the hoop; I want to use it again." And Harry unwrapped the thongs and disengaged it from the tree.
After luncheon the marching was resumed, this time due west to the river. The trip during the day told on Jack, and a halt, was called before they had gone five miles. Harry and John took their guns and started south on a tour of investigation, making their way toward a slight elevation which he had noticed from the observation point.
It was really a hill, covered with trees, and gave the appearance, from the tree top, as being a continuation of the forest range. This was good news to carry back. While passing through the tallest of the trees, Harry, who was ahead, felt himself suddenly grasped, and he uttered a scream.
John rushed forward just as Harry saw the repulsive form of a huge snake which had wound itself around him. Harry was absolutely helpless in the folds of the serpent. John's quick eye took in the situation at once, and by the time he reached Harry the bolo was in his hand and poised. With a single stroke the body of the snake was severed above the last coil, and the portion suspended from the tree fell alongside of the combatants, and John's hands reached out to assist Harry.
Harry was frightened so that he could hardly utter a word, and after some exertion he disentangled himself and gazed on the immense serpent. When he had recovered partially he was too much excited to proceed, and they returned to the camp with a story of the attack and the noble rescue on the part of John.
George's excitement was at fever heat. "We must get his skin." Harry was willing, because a trophy of that kind was worth preserving. The team was taken along, as it was fully a half mile from the camp. When the Professor saw the serpent he congratulated Harry on his escape, who, but for the fortunate presence of John, would have been killed.
It measured twenty-two feet in length and its greatest diameter was eight inches.
"What is this—the boa constrictor?"
"It belongs to the same family, but is known as the anaconda."
"What is the difference between the boa constrictor and the python?"
"The boas are the species found in the western hemisphere, whereas the pythons inhabit the eastern countries. The anaconda is a native of Brazil and some of the other South American countries. They are non-poisonous, and depend for securing prey on their wonderful swiftness and in the tremendous power which they exert when the victims are in their grasp."
As usual, George had been prospecting also, and when the skin had been removed and the excitement died away, he exhibited a peculiar fruit. It was the shape and size of a pear, but had a peculiar kidney-shaped pendant at its large end.
The Professor smiled when he saw it. "You have the fruit of the Anacardium, or cashew tree. That is, it is a combined fruit and nut."
"Is this little projecting part a nut?"
"Yes; and this evening we can try some of them; but they must be roasted. The fruit can be eaten as it is, but it is like the persimmon; it must be fully ripe, or it will be too astringent. It is a fine medicine, and the sap of the tree produces a product like gum arabic, and is known in commerce as acajou."
The elevation which Harry was anxious to gain was before them, less than a mile, and as it was not more than four in the afternoon, the team was driven forward and the slight ascent begun. In a half hour the summit was reached. It was not at a great elevation, but the incline was a gradual one, and it was hoped that from the elevated portion a better glimpse could be obtained than the tree afforded.
It was too late when they reached the camping place to attempt any observations that night, but in the morning an investigation was made to find a tree of sufficient size to afford a good view. When it was finally found the hoop was again brought out and Harry slowly made his way upwardly, and those below waited in suspense for news.
He made a deliberate survey, and called down: "I can see the West River, and directly to the southwest are white objects, but so far away that I cannot tell what they are. They may be tents or huts, or something of that kind. I couldn't say positively."
"Do the objects appear to be at or near the river?" asked the Professor.
"It is difficult to say whether the river goes in that direction. I can see glimpses of the stream only here and there."
"Do you see any mountains to the south?"
"None whatever. Everything merges into a haze beyond the white objects I referred to."
"It is probable," said the Professor, "we have located them, as I find, from an examination of the sailing chart, that the village is located at about that point. I think our course should now be directed to the river, as traveling will be better near its shores, and we would, I think, be more likely to meet some of the inhabitants along the shore than in the dense interior."
The low mountain range beyond the West River was plainly visible from the elevation. The Professor noted how its lower end sloped down, and he knew their location beyond question, and explained that they were now practically due east of the point where they were compelled, on the tempestuous night, to turn back to the north.
It was a long, weary night for them, because expectation ran high. They were anxious, and yet dreaded the meeting, but they had sought it and could not go back now. No fires were kindled that night, although George had counted on some of the roast nuts. It would not be safe to hazard a light.
The utmost vigilance was now to be the watchword. There must be no firing of guns or wandering from the camp on the part of either. At the time the wagon was constructed the Professor had an eye to its use as a means of defense, which was explained to the boys, and this offered a great sense of security to them.
The sides had been made high with this end in view, and not for the purpose of hauling big loads. If attacked in the open, it would serve as a fort, and would enable them to move around from one side, or end, to the other without being exposed. In anticipation all the guns were examined and the ammunition placed within reach and conveniently arranged for any emergency.
The provisions were also arranged to prepare for a siege if necessary. During that evening the Professor for the first time explained in detail how the natives would be approached.
"I think it is well, now that we are about to come in contact with the people here, to be prepared to meet them in the proper way, so as to insure safety to ourselves. It is likely that we shall have to treat with the natives, and thus come to some understanding, before we entrust ourselves to their mercy. Above all things, we want to impress on them the feeling that we are not antagonistic and have no hostile intentions. We are unfortunate in not knowing the character of the dwellers on the island. They may have had frequent contact with the outside world. That may, or it may not, mitigate our lot. So we cannot count on that factor too much. If they are low down in the scale of humanity, we may find a still harder problem. In any event, however, this must be made plain. The wagon is our fort. From that we can defy them, unless they have firearms.
"From this time on let us keep together——"
Something unusual stirred beyond. The crackling of twigs was plainly recognized, and the mumbling sound of voices could be made out. They were human voices, but their intonations, as they came nearer, were sufficient to show that the language was not that of civilized people. They were more in the nature of successive grunts, not much more definable than the noises of animals.
They were wrought up to the highest tension, and the only fear was that either Angel or the yaks would make some noise which might attract the passers-by. To their great relief the sounds died away. This visit would have been welcomed during the daytime, but at night they could not afford to take any risks.
This incident showed they were now in an enemy's country. The river was fully ten miles to the west of them. How far the encampment or village of the inhabitants was to the south they could only imperfectly estimate, but it was certainly twenty miles or more.
What they longed for at this stage more than anything else was the open country. The proximity of the river would likely be the better place for them, so early the next morning the team was gotten ready, and before starting, the Professor made a survey of the surroundings in the direction that their visitors had gone.
At several places were indications of tracks, and these were followed, the team coming along behind. Everything was covered with leaves where the trees abounded, and in the more open areas the grass was so well advanced that it was difficult to distinguish tracks in the earth, but the broken-down grass plainly showed their trail, leading to the south.
Aside from that, nothing could be gathered to give any indications until they had proceeded over a mile, when a small rivulet, the first they had noticed since leaving West River, crossed their route. The Professor actually bounded forward at the sight and examined the footprints. The marks of bare feet were visible where they crossed, and they were of abnormal size.
After a careful examination, the Professor said: "There must have been at least a half dozen of them, judging by the different prints. See, this one has a deformed foot, or the big toe is missing; and this one must be a large man, judging from the deep impression made." Beyond the vicinity of the stream all footprints were again lost.
"As we are now likely to have an open country until we reach the river, we can make more extended observations from the top of the wagon, and one should be there constantly to notice any signs on either side."
They were within five miles of the river, and George, who occupied the post of lookout on the top bow of the wagon, called out excitedly: "I can see them; there must be a dozen or more." The wagon stopped, and the Professor and Harry hurriedly scrambled to the top. John saw the movement and seemed to understand, for he also crawled up and looked across the rolling landscape to the southwest.
In the distance were unmistakable movements of beings moving to and fro. They were distant at least two miles, and there was no evidence, from the character of their movements, that anything unusual had occurred, and it might therefore be inferred that the wagon had not yet been discovered.
At last they had come up to the people who occupied such a large share of their speculations during the past year, and in "The Tribesmen" are set forth the meeting of the savages and the hostile manner in which they were received, together with some of the things which really show why the land they lived in might justly be called "Wonder Island."
THE END
A new series of books, each complete in itself, relating the remarkable experiences of two boys and a man, who are cast upon an island in the South Seas with absolutely nothing but the clothing they wore. By the exercise of their ingenuity they succeed in fashioning clothing, tools and weapons and not only do they train nature's forces to work for them but they subdue and finally civilize neighboring savage tribes. The books contain two thousand items of interest that every boy ought to know.
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSThe Castaways
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSExploring the Island
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSThe Mysteries of the Caverns
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSThe Tribesmen
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSThe Capture and Pursuit
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSThe Conquest of the Savages
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSAdventures on Strange Islands
THE WONDER ISLAND BOYSTreasures of the Islands
Carpentry for Boys
A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all subjects pertaining to the "King of Trades"; showing the care and use of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures, and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.
Electricity for Boys
The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is illustrated with two hundred original drawings.
Practical Mechanics for Boys
This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
This is a series of four books relating the adventures of two boys, who make a trip around the world, working their way as they go. They meet with various peoples having strange habits and customs, and their adventures form a medium for the introduction of much instructive matter relative to the character and industries of the cities and countries through which they pass. A description is given of the native sports of boys in each of the foreign countries through which they travel. The books are illustrated by decorative head and end pieces for each chapter, there being 36 original drawings in each book, all by the author, and four striking halftones.
1. From New York to the Golden Gate, takes in many of the principal points between New York and California, and contains a highly entertaining narrative of the boys' experiences overland and not a little useful information.
2. From San Francisco to Japan, relates the experiences of the two boys at the Panama Exposition, and subsequently their journeyings to Hawaii, Samoa and Japan. The greater portion of their time is spent at sea, and a large amount of interesting information appears throughout the text.
3. From Tokio to Bombay. This book covers their interesting experiences in Japan, followed by sea voyages to the Philippines, Hong-kong and finally to India. Their experiences with the natives cover a field seldom touched upon in juvenile publications, as it relates to the great Hyderabad region of South India.
4. From India to the War Zone, describes their trip toward the Persian Gulf. They go by way of the River Euphrates and pass the supposed site of the Garden of Eden, and manage to connect themselves with a caravan through the Great Syrian Desert. After traversing the Holy Land, where they visit the Dead Sea, they arrive at the Mediterranean port of Joppa, and their experiences thereafter within the war zone are fully described.