Sutoto.
"And who are the others that went with him?"
"Why Lolo was one of them, and Stut and Chump. Oh, they had a jolly
time; so they said, and I can believe it, because they are simply crazy
to make another trip." And the Professor beamed as he related many of
the incidents which they told him of their experiences.
While they were talking, Sutoto appeared, and was immediately admitted.
After some talk, Sutoto said: "The Professor said that when you returned
you would have some work for me with the _Pioneer_."
"Yes, and you shall command her," said Harry.
Sutoto could not but show his pleasure. "I knew you would come back, but
so many here said you would not."
At this point Professor explained that there were many rumors among the
people to the effect that the boys would never again come back, and all
showed grief at the news. I assured them that you were just as anxious
to return as they were to have you and I then told Sutoto that I knew
you had plans which would require his services, but I thought it would
be more agreeable if you imparted the nature of it to him.
The boys were not slow to outline the plans to him, but advised him to
keep the information to himself, which he promised to do. It was enough
for him to know that he would command the ship. It was this that induced
Sutoto to take out the ship, and finally to circumnavigate the island,
so as to try out the sailors and properly to fit them for the work when
the boys returned.
"Now that being settled, Sutoto, we are going to leave the work of
provisioning the _Pioneer_ to you. We must take a supply of guns and
ammunition, as well, and probably it would be wise to have a small troop
of the best soldiers," was Harry's instruction.
"Uraso wants to go. I am sure he would be the best one to take.
"What will Muro say to that?" asked the Professor.
"Oh, take him along, by all means," said George, "because I want Lolo to
go with us."
It was then settled that they were to take a small force, sufficient for
immediate purposes, and if it was found that the islands discovered were
too well settled with hostiles it would be an easy matter to remain
aloof, or return for reinforcements.
While arrangements were being made for the departure of the expedition
Blakely informed the Professor that it would be good policy to make up
part of the cargo of the _Wonder_ with copper, and that both vessels
could proceed to the southeastern part of the islan
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