folded, dignified, and returned his gaze with a dignity that won the
admiration of the boys.

"I wonder how Uraso and Muro feel now, when they have that old devil at
their mercy?" George whispered to Harry.

When the circle had been arranged the chief, Oroto, addressed John in
this terse manner:

"What do you want?"

The question came like a shot. It was the first word he had said.
Neither of the others had asked for information, nor had they deigned to
notice him, as they were marching to the council chamber. This neglect
on the part of Muro and Uraso may have nettled him. The attitude of the
chiefs plainly irritated him.

It is well known that people of this kind are very sensitive to slights,
or what they consider so. It is just as likely that the two chiefs
purposely neglected him in that manner to make the humiliation the more
complete.

CHAPTER XV

THE RESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES

The question for the moment nettled John. Here was a prisoner, powerless
in his hands, imperiously demanding of his captors what they wanted. It
may not have occurred to him that such a question was out of place.

John drew himself up, and with that piercing glance which he could give,
leaned forward, and slowly, but with terrible emphasis, answered:
"Nothing."

It was now the chief's turn to show a look of surprise. He looked at
John, and his eyes wandered to Uraso and Muro. Neither indicated the
slightest curiosity at the answer. Not another word was said as John
kept his eye on the chief.

Then seeing that he had a different kind of creature to deal with than
any he had heretofore met, addressed John in an entirely different tone
of voice:

"Why have you captured me and my warriors, and why do you intend to
destroy my village and take my women and children?"

"Because that is what you have been doing all your life. We do not ask
you to give us anything. We have taken everything you have and shall not
ask you for permission in anything we do. We have no desire to injure
you or your people, and whether we shall do so will depend on your
action. If you will give us certain information it may make it easier
for you, but if you do not tell us it will go hard with you."

"I am ready to listen."

"Did you receive the messenger I sent you three days ago?"

"Yes."

"What did he tell you?"

"That you intended to kill me and my people."

"Did he not tell you that we did not want war, but peace, but that you
must gi