ient Crosses._]

"So the Christians took an old form and made it their symbol?"

"Yes; the Roman cross, used at the crucifixion, had the lower stem
longer than the other, and from this fact that form became the Cross of
Christianity."

The uproar created by the pursuit attracted the attention of the
warriors in the village, who ran to and fro, and soon learned the cause
of the disturbance.

The camp was kept quiet, however, but the scouts watched the excitement
created, and reported the results at frequent intervals. Muro knew they
would not desert the village, as they would not be likely to leave it at
the mercy of their enemies, at least without a fight.

John confronted the medicine men as soon as the wagon was reached.

"Why do your people make war, and refuse to treat with us?"

"Because you have no right to come and try to kill us."

"Why did you imprison our people, and offer up some of them as a
sacrifice?"

"Because your people fought us."

"You lie; you took those who were defenseless, and had no weapons. You
do not tell the truth."

"The Great Spirit told us to kill you."

"Why do you try to lie to me. I do not believe you. The Great Spirit
never told you so. He would not speak to you."

"The white man does not know. He speaks to us."

"Where does he speak to you?"

"In the sacred cave."

"How does he tell you?"

"With wonderful signs."

"Tell me some of the wonderful signs."

"He makes a great light, and we read it in the light. He makes a great
noise, and we know what he says."

"Does he make a great light and a great noise up there?" and John
pointed up to the heavens.

"Yes."

"Then why did you lie to me when you said that he speaks to you in the
cave?"

"We can understand it only in the cave."

While they were thus speaking John held the stone cross in his hand, and
the Krishnos eyed him curiously. He finally saw the movement, and, quick
as a flash, he reached down in his pocket, unobserved by them, and drew
forth one of the wooden matches, which they had made at the Cataract.

"What is this?" he asked sternly, pointing to the cross.

They raised their hands and rolled their eyes upwardly, as though about
to pronounce a malediction on John. He deftly drew the match along the
rear side of the stone, and as it blazed forth into light, he thrust it
forward into their faces.

The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves on the
ground in terror.

"The Grea