two tribes on the
island, and that this was by far the largest, in point of numbers. There
had been continual war between the two people, and the only thing which
saved his tribe from extermination was the fact that they lived in the
mountain regions, and were thus protected.

This information was very welcome to John and the boys. The mountains
seemed to have a fascination for them,--and then, the caves, how could
they forget them now?

For three hours the Chief and his people waited in the distance. John
did not pay any attention to them, apparently. Shortly thereafter two of
his men came in, dragging one of the former patients.

"We saw him trying to steal away," said one of the men.

"Was he going toward his people?" asked John.

"Yes."

"Then let him go, by all means, and tell him that we would be glad to
have the Chief and his people return."

The poor fellow was astonished to learn that he was free. He was as much
surprised at this as at the care which they had bestowed to cure him. He
passed through the village, looking about him with furtive glances, but,
at the command of John, no one paid any attention to him.

When he reached the Chief there was a long consultation, and it was
evident that a momentous change was taking place. The Chief could be
seen constantly glancing toward the village, and soon the self-imposed
messenger returned and approached John.

"The Chief is willing to see you, and will come to you, if you wish it."
This was imparted to John, and the latter responded:

"I will go with you."

He called the two chiefs Muro and Uraso, and the boys, and told them he
would go with the messenger to the Chief, alone, and that they should
have no fear for him.

Accompanied by the messenger, John walked boldly to the Chief, and going
up, pressed his nose against him, in token of eternal friendship, and
then motioned him to go back to the village.

The Chief was astounded, first, at the bravery of John in thus coming to
him, and in then vowing eternal friendship.

There is something very peculiar in the characteristics of savages which
forbids them from violating a peace pledge, or a treaty of friendship
when entered into with the rites that they acknowledge. The most formal
of these rites, is that of rubbing noses together.

How the custom originated, is not known. It is something like the kiss,
in so far as it is a visible token of either love, friendship, or
esteem. It is seldom that t