, and these
highly-prized articles were sure to be taken by the Chiefs, or by the
Krishnos themselves, where they could get them by stealth.

[Illustration: _Fig. 6. Arialad Fruit. Sarsaparilla._]

Unlike the natives of Wonder Island, they had potatoes, the wild variety
which the boys found the second day after they were cast ashore. The
Taro root, that vegetable which grows in the greatest abundance in every
section south of the Equator, to the lower border of the south temperate
zone, was the chief dish, and was also roasted in like manner.

What surprised them most was a drink that pleased John, who at once
recognized its origin. They called it Arialad, and George declared it
was a fine quality of Sarsaparilla.

"You are correct," said John. "Its real botanical name is Arialace. It
belongs to the same family as spikenard and ginseng. Very few natives
know of its value. It is both a medicine and a refreshing drink."

"If it grows in abundance here it would be a good thing to gather for
export," observed Harry.

"A boat load of the roots would be worth a fortune," rejoined John.

There was the utmost good fellowship among all present. In accordance
with the custom among most of these people the women did not partake of
the food in the presence of the men. They acted as the servants in
serving the food, but the men prepared the meal, a sort of well-balanced
family arrangement, as George observed.

"But who washes the dishes?" asked Harry with a laugh, in which all
joined.

CHAPTER VI

THE SAVAGE CEREMONIALS

The next day was the one appointed for the ceremonies. The boys were
expectant, because during all their experiences in the islands, this was
the first time they had an opportunity to witness one of these
spectacles.

It was noticed that no preparations were made for a morning meal by the
natives. All were specially garbed for the occasion, if the colored
decorations counted for anything in the way of additional clothing.

They were adept in the art of weaving cloth, which was made in small
sections, and sewn together, similar to the practice in most of these
primitive countries. They were not altogether devoid of knowledge
pertaining to dyes, the most frequent being blue, which John soon
ascertained came from some copper deposits.

The Madder plant was the most common on the island, and this afforded a
red color, the most lasting of all dyes, and the most generally in use
throughout the ci