CHAPTER VII

THE EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS

It was decided to go north until they reached the level country, which
would afford easy travel, and then move to the west and cross the large
river which separated the Brabos from the Tuolos, as it would be better
to meet them on the extreme western side of the ridge which they
occupied.

"Do you remember, Blakely, what kind of country is to be found directly
west of their principal village?" asked John.

"I have been over that entire country," responded Blakely.

"When I recovered, the morning of the wreck, I went inland at once,"
remarked John, "and I never saw the sea again. When you related your
story about seeing a certain tribe offering up victims you must have
been on the western side of the village."

"Yes; I came up from the sea."

"Well, you see I came down there directly from the north, and I reached
the village on the eastern side, and I saw the sacrifice of the captives
at the same time you did, but on the opposite side of the village."

"That is very probable. On the western side the country is high, but not
difficult to travel across."

[Illustration: "_The act was such a startling one that they threw
themselves on the ground in terror_"
[See p. 95]]

"That is the exact point I am aiming at. I know that all the way down,
from the place where I struck into the interior, it would be almost
impassable for the wagon."

This settled the route to be taken, and they moved westwardly, after
crossing the river, and before night the boys caught the first glimpse
of the broad ocean.

In the morning they put out scouts, which went well in advance of the
column, and Muro was in charge of them. His instinct as a trailer was
inimitable.

Before evening of the second day the scouts announced the first signs of
the Tuolos. The village could be reached within two hours' march, but
John advised waiting for the following morning before approaching.

During the early evening, however, Muro returned on a hurried trip from
the front. "They are having a great feast at the village, and it appears
that they will make sacrifices to-night, or to-morrow, so that we should
approach as close as possible, and if we find that is their intention,
prevent it."

This news stirred all into activity. The column went forward with the
utmost caution, although it was dark, and the wagon had to be guided
along with great