in the morning the wheel was put up, and it began to turn, to the
delight of the men.

"It would be better, Harry, to set up the sawmill at once, as I have
directed a number of men to go to the forest with John, to cut the logs,
and they will take the two teams along, so that by the time you are
ready, the material will be here for you."

"What shall I cut first?"

"Get out the scantlings for the house and shop, as the latter will be
the first to receive our attention. We must have some place to put the
things we have in the wagons."

It is remarkable how quickly a set of men, working under intelligent
directions, can carry out a purpose. The logs began coming in shortly
after noon, and in the morning the saw was at work, and it did not cease
its operations for many a day.

The natives were so fascinated with it that they considered it a grief
to leave it. But the Professor had other purposes in view. George and
Tom were selected to make several looms, similar to the one brought from
the Cataract. In this work, as in everything else, some particular ones
were selected and instructed to do the work.

Ramie fiber was found in abundance, along the streams, and after a set
of men had been instructed how to cut and gather it, they were kept at
that work, while others were directed how to wet it down and rot the
woody fiber and taught the manner in which the fiber was freed of the
stalks.

CHAPTER VI

BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN

Within a week most disquieting rumors reached the new village as to the
attitude of the Illyas and Tuolos. The former sent an insulting message
that if the White Chief wanted the captives he should come for them.

The Tuolos had returned to their country, but John was determined that
they must have a visit. Thus far no bands from the warring tribes had
molested either the Saboros, who were nearest on one side, or the Brabos
on the other side.

Their silence after a peace message was sent them could only be
interpreted to mean one thing, on the part of the Tuolos.

"The Illyas will not dare to injure the captives they have with such a
warning as we gave them, and if they intended to destroy them it is
possible that has been done already. Under the circumstances a little
patience on our part may show them that we mean business."

Muro, who understood the Illyas' character better than the others, was
of the opinion that the Professor's views were most likely to accomplish
the purp