for the exploring
expedition to the north. The rescued prisoners stated that their people,
while not so numerous, were very warlike, and by degrees, John learned
that they were the cannibals of whom they had heard.

The tribe was known as the Umbolos, and the Chief was a frightful man,
unlike any other in the tribe, or, at any rate, from the description, he
was not formed like them. He was known as Rumisses, which in their
tongue meant _thunder_.

It was remarkable that Uraso and Muro understood most of the words of
the language used by the natives here and also on Venture Island. On
Wonder Island, there were only two tongues, or dialects, and the people
on this island, as well as on Venture Island, spoke the dialect
belonging to the Illyas, Kurabus and the Tuolos, the tribes that were
the fiercest and the most difficult to subdue.

It was hoped that the escape of the two Umbolos, and the return to their
people would be sufficient to give them the entree to that part of the
country, but after the questionings of John on this point, it was very
doubtful whether this would impress itself on their minds.

The natives had been accustomed for so long a period to regard every
other people as an enemy, and consequently absolutely removed from any
possibility of friendship, that it was questionable whether the
messengers could persuade the Chief to receive them.

Arrangements for the departure were decided upon, and they planned to
start early in the morning. John visited the Chief, and suggested that
he should consider it a favor if the Chief would permit him to take the
Korinos with him.

The Chief opened his eyes in astonishment. "Why do you wish to be
burdened with men who will live by deceiving?" he inquired.

"But they have lived to the best of their knowledge. They do not know
any better. They believe what they have been taught, and think it is a
duty to carry out and practice their rites. They do not wish to deceive
you."

The Chief pondered for a long time, and then replied: "What will you do
with them?"

"I want to teach them the white man's ways, and tell them to come back
and teach your children the things which we believe are right and for
the good of the people."

The lessons which John imparted were sources of wonder and amazement to
the ruler, who, five days before, thought he was the only one appointed
to make and to execute laws.

When he finally gave his consent, he said: "You must take it upon