, clean grass, and he knew
no more until, when the morning sun flooded the court, he could peer
out, and see the family moving to and fro, but the Chief was nowhere in
sight.

While they had not ventured to tell him what was just the correct thing
to do, he walked out, and then wandered to the open portal at the front.
No one seemed to heed him. He walked down toward the ocean, and saw some
women carrying water in curiously-shaped gourds.

He followed the path, which led to a spring; delicious, cool and
refreshing. Then he bathed his face, and washed his hands. But he missed
the soap. He had not, however, forgotten the early days on Wonder
Island, when the Professor found the soap tree.

He glanced around. There, sure enough, was the identical bush, and
breaking off several twigs, the small branches were crushed up together
with the leaves, and with these he returned to the brook and had a good
soap wash.

This peculiar action was witnessed by some of the women, and the tale
was quickly told, and became current in the village. When George visited
the same spot, the bush had entirely disappeared.

The Chief had not returned when he went back, but his breakfast was
ready, and the maiden with the great round eyes, and the mother,
evidently, waited on him.

George looked toward the Chief's place. She understood, and pointed to
the west. He mused awhile. What could she mean! It must not be supposed
that during all this time George was not thinking of Harry, and John,
and the boys who came over with them on this trip.

They always called each other "boys." All the natives on Wonder Island
were boys to them, and it was amusing to hear them say the word in
return. They were all boys, Uraso, and Muro, as well; all but the
Professor, John and Blakely.

When George went out after breakfast he was surprised to note the
absence of the men. No one but women and children were about. Then the
truth flashed on him. The Chief had gone out, on hearing of the approach
of John and his party.

He rushed out toward the western path that led from the village, and he
had not gone three hundred yards before the men, all armed with spears,
came back, with the Chief at their head. All were in consternation.

George knew what this meant now. He held up his hand as they hurriedly
moved toward him, and pointed to the west. He did this smiling to assure
him of the friendly character of the visit. The Chief stopped. George
moved through th