[Contents]
[List of Illustrations]
[Glossary of words
used in text of this volume]

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS

By ROGER T. FINLAY

Thrilling adventures by sea and land of two boys and an aged Professor who are cast away on an island with absolutely nothing but their clothing. By gradual and natural stages they succeed in constructing all forms of devices used in the mechanical arts and learn the scientific theories involved in every walk of life. These subjects are all treated in an incidental and natural way in the progress of events, from the most fundamental standpoint without technicalities, and include every department of knowledge. Numerous illustrations accompany the text.

Two thousand things every boy ought to know. Every page a romance. Every line a fact

Six titles—60 cents per volume

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THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS
————
CAPTURE AND PURSUIT

“The warriors approached unsuspectingly”

[[See p. 53]]

The Wonder Island Boys
CAPTURE AND PURSUIT

BY
ROGER T. FINLAY
ILLUSTRATED

THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
New York
Copyright, 1914, by
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

CAPTURE AND PURSUIT

CHAPTER I
THE FIGHT AT THE SAVAGES’ CAMP

The Professor, Harry and Tom were dumbfounded at the excited condition of Ralph, as he emerged from the wood and told them to reach the wagon as quickly as possible.

“Where are John and George?” asked the Professor, as all hurriedly ran to the rear.

“George had already gone forward to take his position, when we saw a large number of the savages appear to our left, and he asked me to tell you at once, while he went after George to inform him of the danger.”

“It will not do to leave them in this way. Go back to the wagon and get all the guns ready, and I will remain here, so that at the first sign I may be ready to aid them. If we do not return for some time, or in the event you hear any firing, two of you must come to me with the reserve guns.”

The boys hurried to the wagon, all the reserve weapons were taken out, and the ammunition put in order for instant use. They waited impatiently for the first sign which would be the signal to act, but fully a half hour passed, and, after consulting, it was decided that Ralph and Tom should go to the Professor at once, and take with them four extra guns, leaving Harry, who knew most about the yaks and how to handle them in an emergency.

In order to make the situation clear, it will be necessary to make a digression from the story.

About fourteen months previous to the opening event of this chapter, an aged Professor and two of the boys, named George Mayfield and Harry Crandall, who were shipmates on the schoolship Investigator, were wrecked at sea, and stranded on an unknown shore. They were stripped of everything but their clothing, and of that had only a scanty supply.

Without tools of any sort, or any of the means to procure food or clothing, they did not despair, but set to work, in the most primitive way, to dig the different things from the earth, and to make clothing, tools and other requirements.

They found the various metals and vegetable products; constructed a water wheel; a sawmill; put up a small shop in which were installed the various tools, such as lathes, grindstone, drilling machines, and the like; a loom was eventually devised, to utilize the vegetable fibers, and by means of which clothing was provided.

During the work which necessities forced upon them, they were desirous of knowing something of the land which had received them, and several trips were made into the interior, during which time evidence was found of the existence of tribes of savages as neighbors, but could not learn definitely where they were located, nor had they any means of determining the number.

Fortunately, some yaks, a wild species of cattle, were captured, and these they turned to use by taking advantage of the milk of the animals, and also by utilizing the fur for making felt, as well as tanning the hides for footwear.

But one of the most important uses was in training them for work, and a wagon was built, which served in several trips into the interior.

During the excursions they learned of the existence of others who had been shipwrecked, and later discovered that one of the boats made in the early occupation of the island, and which was left by them in a large river, about ten miles to the south of their home, had been taken by some one, who had put different oars and a rope in the boat, which they discovered after it had been found. This, together with the finding of a lifeboat, companion to the one in which they were wrecked, was sufficient evidence that some of their fellow-voyagers were on the island, and this was confirmed when a message was found in the lifeboat, which stated that certain ones were captured by the savages.

Before they had an opportunity of making any exploring trips, the boys discovered a mysterious cavern, not far from their home, and this was explored, with the Professor, and they were startled to find the skeletons of a number of pirates who had inhabited the cave, and the position of the skeletons, and the weapons, showed conclusively that the entire band had been wiped out in a terrific fight.

In the caverns also were found the skeletons of chained captives, the existence of a regular arsenal of weapons, and an immense hoard of treasures, which had been hidden within the recesses of the cave, for centuries.

Many mysterious things occurred to them, too long to relate, but all of them bearing on the things which interested them, and the first serious attempt to discover the savages, was to build a boat twenty feet long, equipped with a sail, and with this, and an ample supply of provisions on board, the course was directed to the northwest, and along the western coast.

During the three days’ cruise, the weather was fair, but on the fourth day a terrible storm came up and drove them back around the northern point of land, and in the height of the storm they were cast ashore, and their boat wrecked, fully seventy miles from their home.

Just before being driven back by the storm, they had the first view of lights, which showed the location of the savages. They laboriously made their way home, and on returning found John, one of the present party, who suffered loss of memory, and had also an attack of aphasia, or inability to speak.

His full name was John L. Varney, and for two months did not utter a word, nor did he seem to recognize the existence of those around him. Singularly enough, he was a first-class mechanic, and during hunting trips showed himself to be expert, as well as in fishing, and did anything and everything which he had seen others engage in.

Together with John, the Professor and the two boys built a first-class wagon, and undertook a trip in the direction of the savages. In the meantime they made several guns, so that they had ten muzzle-loaders, which, while they took time to reload, were better than bows and arrows, that the boys had formerly made and used.

Several months after landing they captured a baby orang-outan. This had now grown to be strong and active, and as these animals have great imitative qualities, George undertook to educate it to do many things, and it succeeded, on its own initiative, in doing many mischievous tricks, which afforded amusement for all the party.

He was called Red Angel, or more commonly Angel, and as he had a wonderful instinct for scenting danger, was always taken on trips, and was with them on the first extended tour made with the new wagon. During that trip the two boys, Ralph Wharton and Tom Chambers, were rescued from the savages, and it was found that both boys were companions on the ill-fated Investigator, and were captured by several tribes of natives, after they had been on the island over nine months.

During this trip they had a half dozen fights with the natives, which so depleted their stock of ammunition that it compelled their retreat, and finally returned, with determination to manufacture a new lot of guns, and lay in an ample supply of ammunition.

After their return John’s memory was restored, and he related his wonderful history, and together the six set to work preparing the new equipment. This comprised twenty-five guns and two hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition. The wagon carried with it a portable fort which could be set up on one side of the wagon to protect the team of yaks, as well as themselves, and it was also so made as to serve as a float for enabling them to cross streams.

The particular reason for the present trip was not revenge, but to rescue the other boatload of their companions, and also some of the companions of John, who must be somewhere in the interior, unless sacrificed by the natives.

They were now on this trip, and had gone about twenty miles from home, and after crossing the South River, the day before, set out in the direction of the savages’ village, which lay to the southwest.

Early in the morning of the day, after discovering a half dozen savages encamped less than a half mile away, it was determined to surprise and capture them, so as to afford a means whereby they might treat with the inhabitants.

While in the act of surrounding their camp, John discovered a band approaching from the southwest, so that he was compelled to notify the others of the danger, and Ralph was sent back hurriedly with the warning, as related.

As they approached the Professor, the latter held up a warning hand, and whispered: “I do not think John and George will be able to make their way back by the left, as the new band has just come in, and they are now all together, so that if you will remain here I will go to the right. Await my coming, unless there should be firing, in which event go back to the wagon and prepare it to receive us.”

Before he had taken a step a shot rang out, and the Professor continued: “Go at once and get the wagon ready.”

The boys rushed back, and informed Harry, and the wagon was at once turned around into an advantageous position, the yaks unyoked, and the portable fort taken from the wagon and set up in position. The place selected was in the open, so as to compel the savages to travel over the open spaces before reaching the wagon.

In the meantime, let us see what John and George were doing. When John told Ralph to inform the others, he had seen the newly arriving warriors coming up slowly from the southwest, and as George had already gone on to take up his position to his left, he followed after him, and as he caught up, said:

“We cannot carry out our movement, as a number of savages are now coming up, and I have sent Ralph to warn the others. We must now make our way around the camp to the north, and then strike east. Move as quietly as possible, and follow me.”

Before they had gone three hundred feet, John held up a warning hand. “There is another lot of them coming from the northwest. What does all this mean?”

Their only salvation now was to move directly to the west, and this took them just the opposite direction from the wagon.

When the Professor left the boys he moved cautiously to the northwest, and before he had gone far saw the savages approaching from that quarter. As the band which John had advised them about, was coming in from the southwest, he was, for a time, mystified, but soon reached the conclusion that it must be a force not noticed by John, so he circled to the north, in wonder why John or George should have used the gun which they had just heard.

When George and John moved to the west, the band which they originally sighted, arrived in sight of the camp, and they at once changed the course to the south, and thus enabled them to make their way back to the wagon in that direction; but before the trail was reached, John said: “We must approach the trail cautiously, as there may be stragglers, or some who are following behind.”

At that instant, two warriors crossed the path directly ahead of them, the brush being so close at this point that they could not see fifty feet ahead. The savages saw them instantly, and John held up his hand, as though to speak, but they did not wait to parley, and as one of them raised his spear to throw it, the other fitted an arrow to his bow, but before the spear left the native’s hand, George drew his gun and fired.

The other savage did not wait to shoot, as he saw his companion fall, but bounded forward, in the direction of the camp. The shot, of course, aroused the entire camp, and it also accelerated the movement of the tribe approaching from the northwest.

“Follow me quickly,” whispered John. “Let us go south, and then make our way east.”

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

“Remain here, George, while I go forward to the Professor.” As he said this he darted forward, and soon reached the position of Ralph and Tom, and the latter at once informed him of the direction the Professor had taken.

“Too bad, I am afraid he has fallen into the hands of the band which has just come in from the northwest.”

This was, indeed, surprising news for the boys, but he did not wait for their comments.

“Do not wait for us long, but go back to the wagon. I do not intend to come back until I get the Professor,” and he was away.

“I do not understand what to make of the different forces all concentrating at this point. There must be something up, sure.”

John followed the direction the Professor had taken, making a wide detour to the north, and it was well he did so, as the savages, having lost the trail, were now in consternation at the condition of things. They knew the white men must be lurking somewhere near, but the direction was a mystery.

The search was continued by John for over a quarter of an hour, when a shot rang out in the direction of the wagon, and as he turned to go back, was gratified to see the Professor several hundred feet away, waving to him, and together they started for the wagon.

When Ralph and Tom returned to the wagon and reported the situation, they were all in great excitement. They had no doubt but the savages would, sooner or later, discover the trail left by John and George, and this would lead to the wagon. In this they were not mistaken, for while it took some time to trace out the tracks made by them, they soon reached the wagon, and, in fact, entered the clearing before they had an idea they were so near the whites.

Harry showed himself above the top of the fort, and the savages, unused at the sight of such a spectacle, stood in amazement. He held up his hand, as several of the savages fitted arrows to their bows, as a signal not to fight, and they withdrew a short distance in consultation.

“If they only knew it, we could plug them without any difficulty at this distance,” remarked Harry. “What do you suppose they will attempt to do?”

“I only wish the Professor and John were here,” answered George.

“They are going to fight, that is sure,” observed Ralph.

“Let’s make a big show, anyway,” cried Harry. “Put a gun through each one of the portholes.”

The fort had four portholes on each side, and a gun was thrust through each and balanced in position.

It now appeared that an enveloping movement was taking place on the part of the savages. After disappearing, they could be seen at different quarters, as they again approached.

Without a word of warning a shower of arrows came from all sides, and Harry cautioned them to be cool and shoot only when a distinctive mark could be seen.

All was quiet within the fort, until Harry said: “See that chief near the large tree? I will make a try for him.” Carefully taking aim, he fired. This was the shot which John and the Professor heard.

They did not wait for any explanations. “I hope the boys are safe,” the Professor remarked, as they hurried forward.

“They are no doubt at the wagon. I advised them to go there and not wait for us.”

“Do you suppose that shot means they have discovered the wagon?”

“I have no doubt of it. They would be very stupid, indeed, not to be able to trace us, and that was the reason I admonished them to go to the wagon.”

As they approached the savages could be seen skulking about to surround the wagon. “Well, Professor, I suppose we shall have to give them a little surprise?”

The Professor smiled, as they crawled up to get a close position. The tactics were now well understood by both, and that was to rush the wagon from all sides, and thus hope, by overwhelming numbers, to succeed.

“The boys are pretty smart, after all,” said the Professor, as he noted the guns at the portholes, and John could hardly refrain from bursting out in laughter at the sight.

At a signal the savages sprang forward, and there was a volley from the fort. “Brave boys,” exclaimed John. “Shall we take a hand?”

“It would do me good to do so; but would it not be better to wait for the next movement on their part. That shot staggered them.”

It was too apparent that the savages had not counted on such a disastrous result of the charge; but they were determined now. As they were springing forward, and before those in the fort had delivered the second volley, the Professor quietly said: “I think we can risk it now.”

Both fired at the same instant, and two of the warriors fell. The attack from the new quarter dumbfounded them. Neither John nor the Professor appeared in the opening, but reloaded as rapidly as possible, and while the boys were immeasurably surprised, kept their wits, and at the order of George, fired a second volley.

This was too much for the natives, and they scampered from the vicinity of the wagon, and away from their lurking enemies. John and the Professor deliberately walked over the intervening space, as the boys cheered them.

The result of the shots, for ten in all had been fired, were four dead and four wounded, two of them so severely that they were unable to move.

“When George reached the limb which Angel occupied, the latter was jubilant in his expressions of pleasure”

[[See p. 33]]

CHAPTER II
THE RECONNOITERING SEAT IN THE TREE

From the position of the wagon it was impossible to see very far beyond the clearing, and they had no means of knowing how far the attacking party had gone. The first step of the Professor was to bring in the two severely wounded men, and administer to them.

One was found to be beyond hope, but the other did not appear to be struck in a vital spot. The other two, less severely wounded, were brought up and made comfortable outside of the fort, and so arranged that any attack of their enemies would bring them within line of the arrows.

The proceeding to dress the wounds was looked at in astonishment by the three unfortunates. They did not expect such care from their enemies. It was not their way. As soon as they had been made comfortable, John proceeded to interrogate them, to the best of his ability.

They could understand some words, and slowly the facts were brought out. In substance, the savages had knowledge of the existence of the white people on the island, and had by some means learned the location. When the Professor and the boys landed the first home built was near the landing place, but it was unsuited to their needs, as fresh water was not obtainable.

After some time they discovered a small stream, which they eventually christened Cataract River, because they located their permanent home at a cataract about a quarter of a mile from the sea, and it was at this place that they put up the water wheel, and erected the workshop.

From John’s interpretations of the captives’ stories, all the savage tribes were now aware of the existence of the colony, and of the fights which had taken place near West River, but there was not sufficient cohesion among the different tribes, to form a bond of unity, so that two of the most powerful, or warlike, tribes had finally joined hands, and this accounted for the appearance of the bands from two different sources.

“I notice,” said the Professor, “that the headdresses worn by these people are different from any that we have yet come into contact with. Do you think you could draw from them any information which would enable us to determine whether the Chief’s tribe has joined them?”

“That is just what I have been trying to discover,” replied John. “I endeavored to describe the tribe by the location, but, as you may have noticed, we do not get along very brilliantly. The two that George and I met this afternoon were from a tribe that I know of; but this fellow here belongs to an entirely different people.”

The Professor turning to Harry said: “You will notice that the headdress of this one is similar to those we took from the first one shot in the second day’s fight. Under the circumstances we have definite knowledge of at least five tribes.”

“I will try to get some idea as to the number they have,” and turning to the more intelligent of the two, he tried to make himself understood, but at best it was only indefinite, as to numbers.

The characteristic feature of one of the headdresses was the curly hair, and this indicated that the enemy of that tribe was to the west, and clearly pointed out that neither of the two bands attacking them were the captors of Ralph and Tom.

“I am going to ask them the name of the tribe from which the hair was taken,” and pointing at the black curly hair, the captive pronounced the name “Tuolo.” This was instantly recognized by Tom, although he could not before that time recall the proper word.

“He says the name of his tribe is ‘Kurabu,’ and those from the south are the ‘Saboros.’ It would be well to remember those names, as it may come in handy hereafter. I suppose Ralph and Tom will have no trouble in recognizing the Tuolos.”

“For my part,” said Harry, “the people who sport the dark-brown hair in this fellows’ head-piece will be recognized by me from this time on, the Saboros, because they are the first ones who attacked us.”

This was really the case, so that it was obvious that the two tribes who had attacked them were not the ones they had the former battles with, and things began to assume a very grave aspect.

The chief referred to by John, in the former conversation, was wounded by them and captured in their former trip, and after his wounded legs had healed, had left them, and returned to his tribe, much to their regret. They had treated him handsomely, and grew to like him, as he showed many desirable traits. He belonged to the particular faction which had captured John, and was recognized by him when memory returned, and they had hoped that he would not forget them.

The serious aspect of the case was, that the Chief had not returned, nor was there any evidence that he was grateful for the interest which was taken in him.

The captives were constantly under guard, and provided with food, but during the entire night three kept guard constantly, to see that they did not communicate with each other.

The savages were entirely out of sight, and there was no indication that they were in the vicinity, and past midnight, John silently stole from the wagon and made his way across the clearing. He was absent more than an hour, until all began to be alarmed, but his return was so quiet that he was almost at the wagon before he was observed.

“What have you learned?” was the Professor’s eager question.

“They are still guarding our camp, and intend to fight it out, if my observations are of any value. It is my opinion that they are waiting for the appearance of additional warriors. In any event, we must prepare for the fight of our lives.”

Before morning came one of the wounded savages died, thus leaving three still on their hands, and it began to be a problem what to do in this emergency. They now knew, undoubtedly, where the Cataract home was, and the boys worried because they did not want them to destroy that, and while the siege was in progress some of the band might go there and wreck it.

“This is a situation which demands our most careful consideration,” said the Professor, gravely. “We have considerable at stake, and may be able to keep them interested here, and probably in time get them to understand what our intentions are.”

John and the Professor debated the matter during the entire night, except when John was on the scouting trip, and during such little snatches of sleep as they were able to take. There appeared to be nothing to do but to resist to the utmost of their power, and all felt able to do this successfully, unless something unforeseen should intervene.

When the gray light began to show in the east, George was busy preparing the morning meal, and it was fully eight o’clock before the savages showed themselves for the first time. They were seen on all sides of the wagon, but at distances out of gunshot range.

John again had an interview with the captives, and endeavored to make them understand that they did not wish to attack them, and had no hostile intentions; but all efforts of that character were soon found to be fruitless.

The day wore on, and no attack was made. They undoubtedly saw the disposition which had been made of the three captives, and this, unquestionably, deterred them from making an attack.

“What shall we do after to-morrow for water? We have only enough to last us and the yaks for about twenty-four hours more,” asked Harry.

“How far is it to the river?” asked George. The Professor and John both judged the distance to be less than a half mile.

They all looked at each other, and read the import of the question in each other’s eyes. Should they make a fight to reach the river? With water they could defy the natives. It was a conclusion reached after a great deal of speculation.

When night came, and quiet again settled down, preparations were made for the transport of the wagon to the river. It was fortunate that the moon was not shining, but the night was clear, and this added some danger to the situation. At midnight, the yaks were unhitched, and the section nearest the forward end of the wagon pushed aside to permit them to pass through.

When they were yoked up, two of the captives were tied to the seat on the tailboard, and the top covering of the wagon raised sufficiently to enable them to manipulate the guns. The fort sections were secured in place, and quietly the wagon went forward.

They were as secure in the wagon as they had been in the fort, and the only danger was to the team, which might be struck by arrows, or they might be shrewd enough to aim at the animals, and thus prevent further progress.

“I fear,” said John, “that we shall have difficulty in guiding the animals through the brush, and I will lead them.”

This proposal was opposed by all, and he reluctantly consented to remain in the wagon. “I know,” answered Harry, “that I can see well enough to get us safely through, and it will be better to go slowly than to take such a big risk.”

The march began, and to their surprise, it was not answered by a shout or a shot. The savages had disappeared entirely. But before they had proceeded a quarter of a mile, the shouts and answering cries of the savages could be plainly heard.

“We have, unaccountably, gotten through their guard,” cried John, as he leaped from the wagon. “Follow me as fast as you can.” He sprang in front of the yaks to direct the way, and Harry urged the team forward as fast as the nature of the ground would permit, following closely on the heels of John.

The demons were coming on now in earnest, and could not be far behind, and they must have gone fully a half mile, with no river in sight. Suddenly John reappeared at the side of the wagon, and said: “Drive to the left for the open space. There is a brook there, and it will suit us just as well as the river.”

The wagon was rushed to the open space, and down to the little stream which came from the southwest. Without hesitating a moment John ordered the fort sections to be replaced, and heeding the practice lessons which they had exercised over and over again, before starting out, they were prepared, in less than three minutes, for the foe.

The besiegers again surrounded them, but evidently feared to attack. The first care of Harry was to provide the animals with fresh water. The two captives were again placed outside of the fort in a position where they could be easily guarded.

While so disposing the prisoners, George picked up a trinket that had fallen from one of them, who tried to recover it. It was a blue stone, and he noticed that the other prisoner also carried a stone of the same character. Each had a groove midway between the ends, to receive the cord which held it in place.

“What do you suppose they carry these things for?” asked George, as he exhibited the stone.

“They use them to ward off evil. It is remarkable,” answered the Professor, “that the Hindoos consider the turquoise as a sure guard against sudden or violent death.”

“That also reminds me,” said John, “that the belief is a common one throughout all Asiatic countries. Even at the present time almost all Russian officers wear the turquoise as a talisman against fate.”

“What is meant by talisman?”

“In all Oriental countries a figure cut in stone, metal, or any other material, and which, when made with particular ceremonies and under peculiar astrological circumstances, is supposed to possess certain virtues, but chiefly that of averting disease. Most savage tribes have some sort of charms or objects which are held in reverence, and the stone before you is a sample of this belief in the most remote parts of the world.”

“What do you think he will do if I fail to give it back to him! He made a fight for it when I picked it up.”

“No doubt, he will think it is all over with him. We may be able to use the stone advantageously,” remarked John, as he held out his hand. George passed it to him with a smile. He had not thought of that.

There was no sleep the rest of the night. The excitement was too intense. To the boys it was a period of experience they never forgot. The position was excellently chosen, although it was hurriedly done. The stream was only twenty feet away, and water was thus available whenever needed.

The savages understood this move beyond question; when the morning broke, the clear spaces up and down the stream, afforded no lurking places, and within ten feet of the end of the wagon was a tall juniper tree, the branches of which were within ten feet of the ground.

Occasionally only could a warrior be seen, skulking from one point to the next, but beyond that there was nothing to give any indication of the number they had to contend with.

Nearly the entire forenoon passed without any action on the part of the besiegers. Angel had kept closely within the enclosure, but now he spied the juniper tree, and it was not long before his native instinct to climb, got the better of him, and he bounded over the side of the fort, and gracefully swung upwardly from branch to branch.

He then proceeded to do something that the boys had never witnessed before. These animals make seats from the boughs of the trees, and construct them so deftly that in a few moments will have a most comfortable chair. In their native state this has often been noticed by travelers.

Angel started to do this as soon as he had landed at the highest point. Ralph and Tom were very much interested in him from the first and when the seat-weaving operation began, Tom cried out: “Watch Angel; what is he doing? Look at him breaking the branches and twisting them!”

Fig. 1. Angel’s Seat.

It was a curious sight to the other boys, as well. When the seat was ready, he settled himself in place, with all the ease imaginable.

George, whose particular pet Angel had always been, jumped with delight. “Why wouldn’t that be a good place from which to watch the savages?”

Without another word, he was over the side wall, after strapping the gun to his back, and the rough bark gave him sufficient hold to make his way upwardly toward Angel, who, in the meantime, at the sight of George, began his peculiar chuckling sound that always indicated pleasure.

When George reached the limb which Angel occupied the latter was jubilant in his expressions of pleasure; and then the animal did another thing which amused all of the watchers. The moment George had seated himself on the limb Angel left the seat and moved farther out.

George kept on talking, and Angel again moved to the seat and sat down momentarily, and then left it as before, and this was repeated several times. The Professor called up: “Don’t you see he is offering you his chair!” and all burst into laughter.

George took the hint at once, and as soon as he was in position the action of Angel showed only too plainly that he was pleased at the acceptance of the invitation, and proceeded immediately to build another seat. This gave George an opportunity to learn the method by which the animals intuitively acquire the well-known art, which is unique, even in the monkey tribe.

CHAPTER III
THE MIDNIGHT RETURN TO DEFEND CATARACT

This little incident afforded only momentary relaxation to the tension caused by their surroundings.

“What can you see?” asked John.

“I can see them all,” he answered, “and they know it. I imagine Angel and his gun was a big surprise to them.”

Some months previous to the start on this trip, Angel was seen practicing with an imaginary gun, darting to and fro, as though sighting and eluding enemies, as he had seen the boys do, and his antics were so amusing, that George made a gun, which was presented to him.

Its possession was an infinite source of delight to him, and he was never without it in his hands, and the surprising thing was, it did not in any way interfere with his climbing of trees. To show how highly developed were his imitative qualities, it will be remembered that a number of extra guns were made, and when either went on a trip which was hazardous two guns were always taken along, one of which was strapped to the back.

This was noticed by him, and he tried in several ways, which were perceived by George, to supply this deficiency in his gun equipment; so that a strap was given him, and fitted to the gun, and with the new arrangement of his weapon, he would take off the gun and put it back again, and chuckle while doing it.

When George climbed the tree his gun was strapped on, and Angel strapped on his, and as soon as the new seat was made, and George was ready to view the surroundings, he took the gun from his back, and Angel did likewise.

This act, as afterwards learned from the savages, had the most remarkable impression on them. They knew the orang, and all his ways, but here was one of them, possessed of a gun, and to all intents as able to use it as the white man beside him in the tree. Of course, they had no means of knowing that Angel’s gun was merely an imitation of the real article.

“Count them, if you can. It will be interesting to know how many we are up against,” said Harry.

George scanned the field to the southeast, so as to take in all those on the same side of the river on which they were encamped. “I can see forty-two. Now let us see how many are on the other side.” In a few moments he continued: “There are only thirty.”

“Can you distinguish,” asked John, “whether all of the same tribe are on this side, or are the two peoples mixed up, some on one side, and some on the other?”

“I shall have to study that for a little. They are hiding now, so it is difficult to get a good look. I have seen only three, so far, with distinctive clearness, to be able to judge, but I think the Kurabus are on our side of the stream.”

“I am glad to know that,” continued John. “It is a good indication that they are not any too friendly with each other.” Then, calling up to George, he added: “Be very particular to look up and down stream, and tell me if you see any crossing and recrossing.”

The boys did not question John’s motives in giving George those injunctions.

“Would there by any objection if I should go up the tree and stay with George?” asked Ralph.

“Not in the least,” answered the Professor, and John gave a smiling assent to the question.

“While I am about it, I might as well take a rope along, so we can have a more easy way to get up.”

“Splendid idea,” responded John, “and before you go let me make a sailor’s ladder, which you can loop over the first limb, and thus make an easy route for our scouts.” So saying, he neatly tied and knotted the rope, and Ralph leaped over the fort, and had no trouble in making his way to the first limb, and after he had secured the rope ladder, ascended to the limb which George and Angel occupied.

The arrival of Ralph was another occasion for the peculiar chuckle on the part of Angel, and before Ralph arrived, Angel was off his seat, and began the weaving act for an additional seat, and he worked so rapidly that by the time Ralph came up the seat was ready.

George heartily welcomed Ralph. They were chums, just as Harry and Tom had grown to be particularly fond of each other.

It was now an easy matter to gain access to the tree; but John still facilitated this, when he suggested that the wagon be drawn over to the tree, and as the low top of the wagon was over eight feet high, there was no more trouble to ascend the tree than to get over the fort.

As the day passed the watchers in the top kept a sharp lookout for signs of communication between the tribes on the opposite sides of the river.

One of the savages first wounded began to show alarming symptoms and, as the Professor stated, there was every indication of blood poisoning, which was indicated by the high fever. Before evening the symptoms became more pronounced.

The bullet wound was near the hip, and in making the examination was found to be very much inflamed. George was present, and inquired: “What is it that causes the inflammation?”

Fig. 2.

“The local inflammation near the wound is produced by the tissues absorbing blood in excess, and the result is that the vessels containing the blood are so modified as to permit an unusually large amount of the watery portion of the blood to pass through the walls of the veins and arteries. This entirely disorganizes the orderly manner of carrying out the function of the blood, and it is shown by the high fever and redness exhibited.”

“Is that the same as blood poisoning?”

“That is quite a different matter. This man has what is called septic fever, which is produced by an infection of the system from bacterial germs, which were produced by the wound, so that the blood carried the germs throughout the body, and produced what is called a toxic condition. Toxic means poison, or poisoned state. When the blood is thus affected it is unable to do its proper duty, and a high heat is produced within.”

“But why is it that he has chills and then a fever?”

“During the time that the fever is rising the heat produced exceeds the heat lost. If the rise is very rapid, as in this case, the blood is withdrawn from the skin, and this withdrawal diminishes the loss of heat, which gives rise to a cold sensation or chill, and is combined, very frequently, with an attack of shivering.”

It was not considered advisable for either of the boys to remain in the tree during the night, and as soon as it was dark Tom and Harry, who were then on watch, descended, and preparations were made for the night watch.

Shortly after midnight, John took only one of the guns, and also selecting one of the bows, and several arrows, from those which were taken from the wounded captives, started out on a tour of investigation.

In an hour a series of shouts and cries disturbed the silent night. It was the cry of the warriors on the north side of the stream.

Harry, who was one of the watchers with Tom, called to his companion: “Did you hear that? I wonder if John is in trouble?” The sounds were repeated, and finally reechoed by those on the south side of the river. Everything seemed to be confusion, and the sound of tramping feet in the distance became plain.

The Professor was wakened, and the situation explained. “Hasn’t John returned? How long has he been away? Which direction did he take?” The questions were hurriedly asked, and when the boys stated that he had disappeared in the direction that the sounds came from, the matter took on a very much more serious aspect.

All crowded around the Professor, and one suggestion after the other was made, first as to the cause of the uproar, and then as to the condition of John.

“It is evident that the cause of the alarm comes through John, but how he has caused the difficulty, or what his motive is, I do not know. I cannot advise any of you to put yourselves in danger at this time.”

The tumult increased, and it appeared that the sounds moved near to the stream north of their position. While thus speculating Harry noticed a movement close to the clearing and near the fringe, along the stream. It was someone stealthily crawling along, and coming toward the wagon.

“Shall I fire?” asked Tom. The Professor held up a restraining hand. “Wait until we see what the object is.”

Coming nearer, a savage was plainly seen with his distinctive headdress, and he was now within thirty feet of the wagon. The boys were shocked to see John’s gun strapped on the warrior’s shoulder, as he carried a bow in one hand. A few feet farther and he stood up, and held up an outstretched hand, and uttered the words: “Keep quiet.”

It was John.

The relief almost caused a shout; but they remembered the injunction, and restrained themselves. In a moment more he was in the wagon; and the inevitable questions began.

“Where had he gone? What was the trouble in the camps?” and many others of like import were hurled at him.

“Let me tell the story in my own way,” he finally replied. “I had my reasons for believing that not the best fellowship, existed between our besiegers, and that was the reason I asked George to keep a sharp lookout to see whether they intermingled during the day.

“When I left the wagon I took with me the headdress of the savage on the other side of the wagon, one of the Saboros, and also the bow and arrows. I approached the Kurabus on the other side, and after stalking one of their sentries, I shot him with the arrow, which also belonged to the same tribe—the Saboros; the shot merely disabled him temporarily, and he gave the alarm, as I knew he would.

“I purposely dropped my headdress near his body, and seized his—the one I now have, together with his bow and arrows, and stole away. I remained in the near vicinity until the cries of the wounded man brought his friends, and there were the telltale Saboro arrow and headdress, and believing that the work was one of their confederates on the other side of the river, the general alarm was given, which resulted in the first cries you heard.

“I had just crossed the stream, when the first of the Saboros came up, and he was no doubt one of the scouts of their party. Taking the first advantage, and before the main portion of the warriors came up, I shot the one nearest me with the arrow I had taken from the Kurabus, and stunned him into insensibility as he fell, and I dragged his body up to within seventy-five feet of the wagon.”

The boys looked admiringly at John.

“They will have some time in explaining the mystery. One of the tribe on the other side was shot, and one of the savages on this side is missing. Each will blame the other, and we may expect some lively times in the morning.”

John was right, for when morning broke, and before either of the boys could make his way to the treetop, there was an unusual commotion among the savages. Harry and Tom were up in the tree without a moment’s loss of time, and the uproar was apparent to them at once.

“They are after each other. The Kurabus are about to attack the Saboros. Shall we take a hand?” cried Tom.

“By no means,” responded the Professor. “Let us know just what they are doing.”

Those in the wagon could now see the Kurabus cross the stream. They were numerically stronger than the Saboros, and there was now an opportunity to witness the tactics of the savages.

John could not resist the opportunity of going up into the tree to witness the combat. The attacking party skulked forward, after crossing, and dodged from tree to tree, and as fast as an advance was made the smaller party retreated, and took up position in a strong line of bush, well within sight of the tree.

A volley of arrows was the first signal for attack, and this was answered, the parties now being close enough to enable them to do some execution. The attacking party first scattered out in a line, and the Saboros immediately advanced with a rush, for the center of the position held by their enemies.

“That was a shrewd move on the part of the Saboros. See the scattered fellows trying to get away.” They were plainly being driven toward the direction of the wagon, but before reaching the stream near the wagon, crossed, and the Saboros now rushed after, attacking with their spears as they ran.

The Kurabus retreated to the northeast, as they were now cut off from going southwest along the line of the stream, and part of their force was plainly visible to the left and in the rear of the victorious party. Within an hour they saw the last of the pursuers disappearing to the northeast.

This unexpected turn to the affairs, was received with jubilant shouts from those in the treetop, when they announced the result of the fight.

Just as they were descending, Ralph, who was the last to go down, cried out: “Wait, look to the south. More of them, and they are coming directly toward us.”

John saw them, and returned to his position, calling out to those below: “Keep quiet, and do not respond to the attack. They belong to the defeated party. Undoubtedly, a part of their band.”

The shouts of the boys, so incautiously given, startled the oncoming savages, and they stopped. From their position it was impossible to see the wagon, and they did not notice the watchers in the trees.

After a moment’s halt they again came forward, and as they appeared at the clearing, caught sight of the peculiar fort structure in their way, and also saw the captives on the ground. For a moment there was consternation among them.

“I can see thirty of them, and if they go around us they will come on the trail of the party to the north, and probably will discover what has happened to them,” said John.

They were now close enough to be within range of the guns. In fact, they were near enough to use their arrows effectively, if the whites had exposed themselves. The Professor raised himself above the fort, and motioned to them, in the hope that it would cause them to desist from any further attack.

At the same time he pointed to the north, and at this motion, they drew back, and John reported that the band was making a circle around to the left. They had understood the motion, as it appeared, and, in accordance with the expectations of John and the Professor, the battle on the brink of the stream, and the discovery of the wounded, was sufficient to give them the information that their friends were being driven to the north by their late allies.

The Kurabus quickly learned from their wounded friend, the status of the quarrel, and there was a long consultation, before any action was taken.

“We do not seem to be making much headway in getting intimately acquainted with our friends on the island. We have only two things open to us. One is to proceed to the southwest, and meet the tribes living there, or to follow up the warring parties, and endeavor to establish relations with them in some manner,” was the Professor’s view of the situation.

At this juncture John descended from the tree. “I am of the opinion that the newly arrived band will follow up and try to aid their friends. The serious thing to my mind is, the thought that as they now know our location at the Cataract, one or the other party will go there and destroy everything.”

“Can you make out enough from the fellows’ answers outside to assure yourself that they were on their way to attack us there?”

“I am convinced of that,” answered John.

“I think it is our duty to return there at once,” was the Professor’s reply.

There was a unanimous assent to this proposal. It was now about ten o’clock, and George, in the treetop, called down: “They are going to the northeast.”

“Just as I expected. Keep a watch on them until they disappear, and in the meantime let us get the wagon ready.”

Tom descended to aid in the work, and the fort sections were put into place on the wagon, the yaks yoked on, and the two savages put aboard.

“They have gone, and are after their friends as fast as they can travel,” said George, as he descended, and took the rope off the last limb.

The team was directed due north, and it was a gratifying surprise to find that they were less than a quarter of a mile from the South River. The fort sections were applied at once, and without mishap the wagon was floated across, so that temporarily, at least, they were free from the savages.

CHAPTER IV
THE ATTACK ON CATARACT

“Now, let us drive through the forest and go directly north until we come within sight of the sea, then follow that along to the east, and if there is a meeting between the two hostile parties it will delay the victorious side long enough to permit us to get there ahead of them.”

This suggestion was considered a wise solution, as that route was well known to them, and it also kept them out of any possible path that the savages might take to reach the Cataract house.

“Drive them up as fast as possible, Harry. We cannot afford to consider the animals now.” John and Tom took up the lead to point out the most desirable trails, and it kept them both moving at a lively rate.

After they had gone about four miles, Ralph ran forward and insisted that he and George would take up the advance, and prevailed on John and Tom to take their places in the wagon. The distance chosen was farther than by a direct route to the northeast, but they could not afford to be again thrown into the paths of the conflicting tribes.

The Cataract River was crossed, which they knew was about ten miles from the home at the Cataract, and after the yaks had rested a few moments the flight was continued, and within an hour and a half could see Observation Hill, and a little beyond the position was such that a more or less clear view could be obtained of the region directly south of the Cataract.

Ralph, whose eyesight was particularly good, climbed a tree, in the most advantageous position, and surveyed the south and southeast. “I cannot see a sign of them anywhere in the direction of South River.”

“Then it is reasonably sure the last band has caught up, and they may possibly be having their argument to settle the supremacy,” responded John.

But they still had several hours’ hard travel before them, because the country was now more hilly and difficult through which to move the wagon. As they approached near to their home the team was driven close to the sea, and at the first easy descent the yaks were urged down to the narrow beach which lined the shore for the last two miles of the journey.

“Harry, you and Tom take charge of the team, and we will remain on the upland and follow along, so that we may watch for any signs of them coming across the hills.”

The Professor’s injunction was followed without a word. The traveling was good on the beach, and before long the team came to the mouth of the river, and, hiding behind the shelter of the hills, awaited the appearance of the rest of the party.

As they came up John hurriedly said: “Let us cross the stream here, while we have the opportunity, and we can approach the house in the shelter of the cliffs for a part of the way at least.”

The raft sections were at once applied, and the entire party floated across, much relieved to find they were home before any signs were noticed of either attacking party.

The cattle were still there, and everything about the premises showed that there had been no disturbance during the absence.

“I suggest,” was John’s first proposal, “that we conceal the wagon, and take our places in the main house. This will give them the idea that we have not returned, and will put some of them, at least, within our power.”

The wagon was run behind the shop, so they could not see it by any possible approach that might be made in attacking.

Their home consisted of one main building, containing four rooms, adjoining the original structure which had three smaller rooms. Distant from this, and less than fifty feet away was the shop and laboratory, adjoining the Cataract itself, and at one end of the shop was the sawmill. Below the shop was the rough building put up for the cattle, and adjoining this was a shed designated as the boathouse, and within which were the original boat they made, together with the lifeboat which was found on South River, and also the wrecked after part of their lifeboat.

“If I could only make the captive we have understand the subject a little better, we might still be in a position to get on treaty terms with the devils, but he seems to be too dense to understand

Fig. 3. The Cataract Home.

WONDER ISLAND.

my meaning.” But nevertheless John worked with him hour after hour, and the savage was not now loth to make himself more agreeable.

It was nearing five o’clock, and still no signs of either of the tribes. It might be possible they would not come, after all. A watch was kept up all night, two taking their turns every two hours, as all were tired from the two days’ exertions.

Morning appeared, and still there was nothing to indicate the intention of the natives to visit them. John had discovered that the Saboros learned of their existence from a neighboring tribe, and had joined forces with the Kurabus, who were also contemplating an expedition against them.

He also succeeded in drawing from him that the two tribes had not been on the best of terms, and was not surprised at the turn of affairs, and of course John did not explain the cause of the quarrel and fight in the forest. All hoped the Saboros would win in the fight, as the ability of John and the savage to make each understood might be the means of making friends of them.

Angel was in his glory again. He romped about careless and free. Enemies did not seem to trouble him. George almost hugged him, as he spoke of the hint which he had so opportunely given in climbing the tree.

The Professor smiled at the remembrance, as he said: “That might be called the ‘tree of life’ in our case. It has been said that trees and wood saved the world twice.”

“How?” asked several of the boys in concert.

“John Evelyn said, ‘Trees and woods have twice saved the world, first by the Ark, then by the cross; making full amends for the evil fruit of the tree in Paradise, by that which was borne on the tree at Golgotha’”

The appointments of the house curiously interested the savages, and they were the more astonished when the evening meal was set before them. Shortly after the meal the cocoanut-oil lamps were brought out by George, but their use was forbidden, as it would not be prudent to illuminate the place.

When the savage saw the oil he was interested at once, and John, who was ever on the alert to notice any of his actions, quietly requested George to give him some of it.

To the surprise of all, the savage put it on his face, and rubbed it in with considerable satisfaction. The boys looked at John inquiringly. “Does that surprise you?” he asked. “Do you know that savage is doing just what they were accustomed to do in Biblical times?”

“Do you mean,” asked Ralph, “that he was anointing himself?”

“Not exactly that, but he was doing what started the custom of covering the body with oil?”

“What was it done for originally?”

“Simply as a matter of health and comfort. Many tribes and peoples, civilized, as well as those lower in the scale, acquired the habit, using oils of various kinds, which prevented insects from attacking them. There are many plants which contain oils obnoxious, and some which are deadly, to animal pests, hence they were by this means freed from vermin; and in tropical countries all kinds abound.

“Later on the habit of anointing with oil took on a wider meaning. In a religious sense anyone consecrated with oil was set apart for a divine mission, and the more costly the oil the greater the degree of virtue imparted. Oil for the sanctuary was mixed with myrrh, cinnamon, calamus and cassia, as stated in Exodus, and, singularly, all these are obnoxious to insects.”

It will be remembered that among other things which were found in their investigations was the clove tree, and from this an extract had been made. The Professor looked at the savage approvingly, and immediately went to the laboratory, bringing a small bottle of the extract, and adding a quantity to the oil.

The savage was surprised and delighted at the perfume, and it was a proof, beyond question, that he understood its use in the sense that John had explained.

During the entire night a careful watch was again kept up, and all began to feel that their hurried retreat was an unnecessary precaution, but before the sun was up an hour, Harry, who was the early lookout, announced that they were in sight, and all hurriedly took positions, where they were concealed, and anxiously awaited their coming.

“Can you make out which tribe is after us?” asked the Professor.

“They are still too far off for me; possibly Ralph can distinguish them.”

“No; but they look more like the Saboros.”

“I am glad if that is the case.”

To the savages everything was quiet at the home and surroundings, and they came forward with rapid strides. “How many are there?” continued the Professor.

“About fifty.”

“Then they cannot be the Saboros?”

“Why do you think so?” asked George.

“If you recall, there were only forty-two of the Kurabus before we made the hurried retreat to the little stream, and there were but thirty of the Saboros; and as the former were reinforced by thirty more, it is obvious they have been victorious, and have lost some of their men in the fight, if one really took place.”

This seemed to be a reasonable conclusion, and it meant a fight without further parleying, so the party made arrangements accordingly.

The guns and ammunition were placed in reach, and were in condition, in the event the present store gave out, to make an additional supply; as they knew the shop could be easily guarded.

They approached unsuspectingly, and before nearing the house had to cross an open space. The two captives were placed in position so they could see the enemy, for it was now plainly seen they were not the Saboros, as they had hoped. The savages’ eyes kindled, as they witnessed their enemies moving into the opening, and when they had come within one hundred and fifty feet John turned to the Professor, who gave the order to fire.

The surprise and consternation depicted on their faces was beyond power to describe. Six fell at the volley, and the rush was instantly stopped. Three of them tried to rise, and their companions assisted them to the rear, carrying them along, in the rush to escape a further onslaught.

But the Professor and John had no desire to shed blood needlessly. The boys were not so considerate. The two captives were in the height of ecstasy at the sight. Before the attacking party had time to proceed far, the Professor emerged from the door, and with a raised hand beckoned to them; but his acts were not understood, or they purposely refused to consider the matter of entering into any terms.

All of them took up position at a safe distance, leaving the three fallen ones, who were, evidently, beyond all earthly help. It was regrettable that such a stern lesson was necessary, but the action of the savages was in line with the attitude of the other tribe who had persistently refused any compromises, either before or after the attacks.