ion. He did not want to pursue the subject any
further, and John graciously turned the conversation by announcing the
discovery of the Upas tree.

"I didn't know the Upas tree was of such immense size," said Harry. "Is
it really true that it kills everything that comes near it?"

"No, that is greatly exaggerated. The only time when it gives forth any
harmful exudations, is when it is cut down, or when the bark is torn
away, or it is wounded in such a way that the sap comes into contact
with the body."

The illustration shows a flowering branch of the tree, and gives an idea
of the silk-like leaves.

[Illustration: _Fig. 14. The Flower of the Upas Tree._]

They were still going upwardly. On both sides, to the east and to the
west could be seen the rolling sea. Ahead was the mountain, if such it
might be called. Rocks began to appear everywhere. John stopped long at
some of those dark gray walls, and chipped off many specimens.

There were now fewer birds and animals, except very small species, such
as squirrels, and a variety of weasel, quick in its movements and
reddish in color.

"This begins to look promising," remarked John, as he crawled around the
ledges.

"Do you think we shall find any caves here?" asked George.

"I shall be very much surprised if we do not," he answered.

"Isn't it singular that the natives never knew about them, if there are
any here?"

"No; I do not think that is strange; they do not believe in the witch
doctors, and they have no Krishnos here, so that the caves are of no
value to them."

"But do you find much that is valuable in the way of ores?"

"The hills here are full of the most valuable minerals. The little
prospecting I have done is sufficient to satisfy me on that point. I am
trying to make a fair estimate so I can give an accurate report when we
return."

It was late in the afternoon when they reached the summit of the
mountain which they had viewed from the south. It was green to the very
summit, and from the elevation where they stood they could see a long
and narrow stretch to the north, the distance in that direction being
much farther than they had traveled from the little bight of land on the
south.

"It does look inviting in that part of the island," said Harry. "Were
you ever there, in the bad place?" asked Harry as the Chief's son came
up.

"No; but I have heard much about it."

One of the natives who heard the conversation said: "It is a beautiful
pl