ny him."

This arrangement had John's approval, and when Hasmo was advised of the
mission, he jumped up with delight, and, together with the Chief's
fleetest messenger, speeded off to make the intervening twenty-five
miles.

It was not much of a task for the two men. In less than four hours,
Sutoto saw two men on the shore, one of them waving a signal that he
understood. A boat was put off, and when the runners came aboard, and
the news imparted, all on board sprang to their places, the anchor was
hurriedly taken up, and the _Pioneer_ soon rounded the point, while they
all eagerly scanned the shore.

The Chief and his visitors remained in the "palace" for three hours,
while the latter told and retold the stories which so much interested
the chieftain. Then John began to question him upon matters that more
nearly concerned their visit.

"Ask him," he said, "if they have any Krishnos here?"

"He does not know what they are," answered Muro.

"Does he believe in a Great Spirit?"

"No he has never heard anything of that kind."

"Ask him if he knows who makes the rain and the sunshine, and the
clouds."

"He says that the questions are surprising to him."

"Has he never thought of those things?"

"No; all he knows is that he lives and that he is a Chief and is the one
who must govern the people."

"Does he know why he is the Chief?"

"Yes; because he is stronger than any one else."

"That would certainly make him a Chief," remarked Harry. "I never saw
such a big man."

"Do they have any big holes in the ground!"

When the question was asked he waited a moment, and then slowly shook
his head.

"They have nothing of that kind to his knowledge."

The countenances of Harry and George fell. John noticed it, and smiled
at the disappointment.

"There are no caves around here," said George.

"Are there any mountains on the island?"

"There are high hills."

"Have they any neighbors, or different tribes?"

"Yes; to the north, (pointing in that direction) are some bad people,
but they belong to him."

"Why do they not live near to the village!"

"Because they would make the people bad."

"What did they do that was so bad?"

"They stole and lied."

"From whom did they steal?"

"From the Chief."

"Did they steal from each other?"

"No; they could not steal from each other."

At this remark the boys laughed. John began to be interested now in his
questionings.

"Do you mean it is not wrong to