it must be done without
letting Sutoto know. I will arrange the matter with him so that he will
not suspect your real mission.

"Our work at the northern part of the island will take about ten days,
and probably less. If you have no trouble, and this time of the year is
not a stormy one, you can easily make the trip there in a day and a
half, and return in the same time, thus giving you a full week to
prepare the articles."

Stut was in raptures at the announcement. John knew that he was capable,
and trusted him. Shortly afterwards Sutoto was sent for, and John said:
"It is necessary for the _Pioneer_ to return to Wonder Island to get
some things of importance for us. It would please me better to have you
remain, and Stut can take your place for the trip; but if you prefer to
go, it will be satisfactory."

Sutoto hesitated for a moment. He eyed John for a moment, and the boys
begged him to remain. They knew, as did John, that their entreaties were
not necessary. Finally, with a most suspicious glance, he consented to
stay. Stut was notified, and he came in.

"Stut, I have some very valuable papers which must be delivered to the
Professor, who will send some things back, and I have arranged with
Sutoto that he shall remain and help us in our investigations here,
while you sail the _Pioneer_ to Unity."

Stut looked at Sutoto for a moment, as though taken by surprise, and
announced his willingness to go. "Then start at once," remarked John,
"and return as soon as possible."

Sutoto called Stut aside, after they left John. "Will you get some
things for me?" he asked.

"Certainly, what can I do for you?"

Then Sutoto imparted the secret of his coming marriage to Stut, and the
latter with well concealed surprise, promised secrecy, and assured him
that he would get the clothing necessary and the particular presents
that seemed to be of more importance to him than his garments.

Within two hours the ship was ready, and as they were leaving the vessel
Stut told the boys of the commission which he had undertaken at Sutoto's
request.

CHAPTER XII

THE SKELETON BENEATH THE BOAT

The present journey reminded the boys of the time when they began their
wanderings in the unknown wilds of their own island. Then they were
inexperienced, lacking the most ordinary knowledge of life in the open,
afraid of slightest noise when in unknown places, and constantly fearing
attack by wild men or beasts.

What a differenc