nd
waving aside all dignity they rushed forward to greet them.

The whole thing had been so admirably arranged, that no one knew of the
affair which had been planned by John. Sutoto joined in the merriment,
but he was too anxious to see Stut to pay much attention to the
greetings.

The visitors discreetly refrained from saying a word to Sutoto,
concerning the coming event. Besides the Chief's wives, there were
several other women, of the Tribes in Wonder Island, together with some
white men and their wives, who had been invited at the request of
Blakely.

The latter greeted John with that hearty expression so characteristic of
the true commercial man, and he was not with John a minute before he was
plying all sorts of questions about the resources of the island, the
kind and number of inhabitants the nature of the soil, and the
possibilities of mineral development.

The Professor came down and was introduced to the Chief by Uraso.

The great burly chief was fascinated. He gazed on the Professor and
almost gasped, then turning to Uraso he said: "Ah! I know why he is a
wise man."

To Uraso this remark was indeed a puzzle; to think that the Chief had
discovered the secret of the wisdom in the Professor! He was quick to
ask why he knew it.

"Because he has double eyes."

Uraso laughed, and turned to the Professor, to whom he related the
incident. Instantly the Professor removed the glasses, and courteously
handed them to the Chief, and Uraso adjusted them to the Chief's eyes.

He glanced around, through the lens, and forced out one expression of
delight after the other. He was oblivious of everything else. He forgot
that there were dozens of the visitors ready in line to be introduced to
him; but all enjoyed the great pleasure he experienced in the new sight.

But suddenly he stopped in his enthusiasm, and with an apology took off
the glasses and held them up, in the act of handing them back. The
Professor returned them, and took another pair from his pocket which he
put on.

It was not likely that the Chief could have received a more acceptable
present, as his eyesight was failing, and the glasses seemed like the
opening of a new world to him. Later on the Professor provided a pair of
glasses better adapted to his sight.

The Chief then became concerned about the comfort of his guests, so
Uraso said: "Do not feel worried about the visitors. They will sleep on
the vessel where they have comfortable rooms."