nd directly toward their place of concealment. Here was a
problem, not contemplated by John, and the boys consulted the men with
them.

Harry said: "I will do what has always been our custom, that is first
show ourselves, and indicate that we do not wish to be enemies, and try
to gain their confidence."

"I think some of the men should try to talk to them. It is possible that
they may be acquainted with their language. You remember the one we
captured could understand what Muro said," suggested George.

It should be stated that after they landed on the island, four days
previously, they had made a short excursion into the interior, where
they were attacked by a tribe, of which one of the men was captured,
after being wounded, and then taken by the Professor on board the
_Pioneer_, and carried to Wonder Island.

The savages came forward apparently without knowing of the existence of
our party, and when within two hundred feet Harry, and Tarra, one of the
most intelligent of the islanders, stepped forward, and waved their
hands.

The natives stopped in astonishment. Tarra spoke to them, but they were
mute. Then Tarra turned to Harry, and rubbed his nose, and made a sign
of friendship. After some hesitation the leader, who was, from all
appearance a chief, answered, that they demanded the delivery to them of
the wounded man. After this was interpreted Harry assured him that the
man would be restored safe and sound, as soon as he was cured.

At this information the Chief told Tarra that he lied, and that he had
been taken for the purpose of being sacrificed. He was assured that such
was not the case, as they did not believe in sacrificing human beings.

The Chief then demanded that they leave the island at once, or they
would kill all of them. Tarra laughed at this announcement, and his
demeanor was such as to astound the natives. "You do not know what you
say," said Tarra. "The white people who are with us have fire guns,
which kill when they speak," and he held up one of them, and the boys
were amused to see how quickly they began to waver and look about for
shelter.

"We have not come here to injure you," said Tarra. "We want to be
friends."

This appeal did not affect the Chief, but seeing his men disappear he
silently withdrew to the north. They had scarcely gone before Uraso and
his men appeared in the tall grass beyond, and were most heartily
welcomed by the boys.

Uraso laughed as he related their exper