uestionings.

The next morning, when all the supplies and ammunition had been taken
off, and the final good-byes were said, the party stood on the shore
while the _Pioneer_ slowly moved out, and was soon racing before the
wind on its way to Wonder Island.

A council was held before they attempted to march into the interior. "I
have every reason to believe that the band which we met yesterday is in
the immediate vicinity, and that they have been watching our movements,"
remarked John.

"In that case," remarked Uraso, "I favor the route to the east, which,
while it may offer us still greater obstacles, in view of our
observations there, still it might enable us the more quickly to
overcome the tribe we have just met."

The boys looked at each other significantly. "I wonder what Uraso can be
talking about? There must be something very much out of the usual, in
the eastern part of the island."

"I am interested in knowing what he means by 'the observation' they made
there," responded Harry.

CHAPTER XIX

FIGHT WITH NATIVES AND RETURN TO WONDER ISLAND

When the _Pioneer_ sailed for Unity it was with the understanding that
she was to return within a week or ten days. At a cliff in the headland,
which jutted out on the southern side of the bay, a sort of post office
station was established, because if the ship should return while they
were in the interior, it would be well for the commander of the
_Pioneer_ to know where to go in the event that the eastern or the
northern coast should be much more convenient for John and his party.

It was nearly a hundred miles from the Island to Wonder Island, and
there would be no occasion for the Professor to hurry back a relief,
except to supply additional ammunition, because they did not for an
instant expect to meet a tribe that would give them such a fight.

There was still enough to provide, probably five rounds per man, so that
it made them a pretty respectable fighting force. The weather was such
that the force on the island did not require tents for shelter, and with
the native fruits the party could well subsist for quite a time without
assistance.

It was agreed that the party should keep together, and no straggling be
permitted, as it was evident they had a very bitter foe to deal with.
The severely wounded Chief, who was taken along, was under the personal
charge of the Professor, the understanding being that as soon as his
wounds were satisfactorily progr