e able to find the cave for which he was searching.

That night they encamped on a small stream which was, no doubt, formed
by a spring, as its waters were deliciously cool, and refreshing.

During that night, shortly after twelve o'clock, the boys heard the most
peculiar noises, like a doleful, continuous cry, echoed and reechoed
from hill to mountain,--something indescribable, but they refrained
from saying anything to John about it.

Some of the boys who were present and heard it were singularly affected,
and it must be said that the boys themselves, notwithstanding the
experiences they had passed through, were not altogether composed in
their minds.

When Uraso and Muro appeared next morning, after a night of scouting,
they were startled by the accounts which were furnished, as to the
number and warlike character of the inhabitants, and a council was held
to decide whether it would be advisable to proceed with their limited
force.

If they knew, beyond question, that the island was occupied by another
tribe, it might enable them to make peace with one of them, and thus
pave the way for approaching these people.

It was unfortunate that the first contact with the natives brought them
into open hostilities, much as they desired to avoid it, but it was too
late now.

"From your investigations," said John, addressing the two chiefs, "can
you give any idea of the number of natives in this tribe?"

"We were unable to get near the village, but during the night we touched
three different parties, one over by the high ridge, one a mile to the
front, and the other over in the open ground not far from the place we
had the fight. If I can judge anything by that I should say they have a
number of warriors," answered Uraso.

"That does, indeed, look as though they are ready to meet us from
whatever direction we may attack them," remarked John.

"The thing which is the most singular to me," remarked Muro, "is the way
they are coming at us after the fight over there. If they were a weak
lot they would draw off, and keep away from us, and that makes me think
they have a lot of warriors, and are simply waiting until they can
collect all of them."

"We must do one of two things," ventured John, on reflection. "Either to
go on with the men we have, or to wait until the _Pioneer_ returns, and
then go back with her and fit out a force of ample size to meet them. It
is our wish to win over the people by peaceful means, but ou