idently one of the hunters, and the captive was brought in at the time
when some of his own men had advanced uncautiously too far.

He was brought before John at once, who addressed him as follows:

"Why have your people started out on the warpath against us?"

"Because you killed our warriors in the last battle."

It is singular how the natives in all their interviews of like nature,
always found it convenient to refer to the last and most immediate act
as a particular reason for their enmity. In this respect they were
veritable children.

They might have been, as they were in this case, the original
aggressors, but if an attempt is made to repay them the original cause
of the strife is forgotten, and the last act only is considered. John
knew it would be of no use to argue the matter with him.

"You may go back to your chief and tell him that we have come to get the
captives he has. You must tell him that we have no desire to injure him
or his people. Tell him that all the tribes are now united, and that if
he does not give up the white people and all others, we will take him
and his villages, and give his lands to the other tribes.

"You must further tell him that we must have his answer at once, and if
he does not answer by the time the sun is above us (noon), we will
consider him our enemy, and shall attack him."

The captive received full instructions from Uraso, who warned him that
if he failed to convey this information in the manner given it would go
hard with him.

John went forward with the prisoner, and he was released within sight of
the Illyas' camp. The enemy was at that time in great commotion, as they
were, from all indications, preparing for defense.

They occupied a naturally strong position. The camp was on the western
side of a hill and at the bottom was a small stream.

Directly behind the camp was a heavy forest, which, in case of retreat,
would afford them shelter. There was a bend in the river, where the camp
was located, so that the position was impregnable as against the native
weapons.

The Illyas were not counting on meeting a foe armed with guns like the
allies possessed. They did not conceive how their enemies could possibly
make a sufficient number of guns to count against their numbers and
their skill.

In the talks which John had with Uraso he learned the history of this
peculiar tribe. Originally the tribe had practical sway over the entire
island. They were bitter and v