uckling at the idea, but it stirred up a reminiscence. "That
is a custom, in some of its features, that I learned about some tribes
in central Africa. I can see the object of that rite. The taking of the
gifts blindfolded signifies that he enters the marriage state blindly,
and that he must do so in silence, and without asking any questions."

"Of course, then, there is not any likelihood of them quarreling," said
Harry.

"That is what the Chief's wife said," replied Mida.

"But what does all the talking mean?"

[Illustration: "_The rites were progressing very satisfactorily_"
[See p. 196]]

"That is perfectly obvious. To show they can perfectly agree, even
though they do talk."

"But that is all before the real ceremony itself," said George. "How do
they get married? That is the main thing."

"Why," said Mida, "that is part of the marrying."

"But they haven't promised anything. Marrying is promising."

This occasioned another roar of merriment. "Yes; marriage is a contract
under our law, but not so with these people. The only question with them
is whether they are suited to each other."

"But suppose they should not want to marry each other, or one of them
should object," interposed Harry.

"Ah! don't you see there is where the prospective bride or groom, in
that case has a chance. If, in the first test he should speak, or in the
last trial she should fail to keep up the conversation, then it would be
all off."

Mida confided her plans to the Chief and his wife. They were assured
that Cinda would not think of overriding the well-known laws as to the
gifts, and the two tests, and so it was arranged that Sutoto should be
permitted to bring his offerings, which he would no doubt do, by
stealth, while the Chief and all the visitors were to partake of the
banquet on board of the vessel that evening.

Sutoto and Cinda knew of the arrangements for the banquet, and that
appeared to be a suitable occasion for them. When Sutoto appeared with
the gifts he and Cinda were to be arrested by the Chief's warriors and
brought aboard the vessel, charged with violating the law of the Chief
in not first obtaining his permission.

The boys remained ashore, and carefully watched the proceedings. How
Sutoto got the presents the boys did not know, but they had a suspicion
that Cinda had a hand in it. The boys laughed as they saw what a
ridiculously short distance he had to