otten that they believe in
_three_ for everything? Didn't John make three passes to kill them; and
three more to bring them to life again? We have had two feasts, and must
now have one more. I don't know what the result will be if I eat half as
much even, as I did yesterday."

John laughed heartily, as he added: "That is correct, too, about the
feasts. Notice from this time on that about everything they do will be
measured by threes."

As the boys afterwards remarked, they never knew how they got through
the feast that day, but they tried to imitate John in partaking of the
good things in moderation.

It was late in the night when the natives ceased the dancing, which was
the signal for the end of the festival, although in many respects it was
entirely different from the previous ceremonies, as Uraso and Muro
learned in talking with the natives.

The next day was ushered in with a rainstorm, the first that was
experienced on the island, and there was no opportunity to make any
excursions. It had been John's intention to settle the fate of the
Korinos, as he felt that this was a matter that should have his
attention before they left on the further explorations of the island.

Since it was impossible to venture out far from the village, John spent
the most of the day attending to the wounded and the sick, although they
had not been neglected in the meantime, not even during the ceremonies
of the past three days.

The first visit was made to the quarters of the white man who was found
in the stockade when they took possession of the village. It was evident
from the greeting that he and John had had several conversations
previous to this visit, but of this the latter did not advise the boys.

When they came into the room he was sitting up, and he greeted John and
the boys. He could speak, but it was with a weak voice, and the boys
ranged themselves on one side while John seated himself on the other.

"You told me yesterday," began John, "that when you were shipwrecked you
were cast ashore on another island. How many companions had you?"

"Three," he answered. "One of them was a large man, with brown hair and
piercing eyes, who was formerly an officer in the navy, and was at that
time engaged in an exploring capacity, and on his way to Australia."

"Did he walk with a limp?" asked John.

The old man, as well as the boys, looked at John in surprise. He quickly
answered: "Yes; did you know him?"

"No," he replied