en into captivity, it was a warning that could not be
disregarded.

Immediately, on the heels of this news, was the report of two runners
from the Saboros that depredations had been committed by the Illyas.

The Professor called John, Blakely and the chiefs Oma of the Brabos and
Muro of the Saboros into consultation.

"We are now in condition," he said, "where we must undertake to call
those tribes to account. The outrages reported are probably only the
forerunners of others which may be much more serious, and I want your
views on the course to follow."

"It is fortunate," answered Blakely, "that the tribes referred to are
separated by the sections of the island inhabited by our allies. This
gives us an opportunity to treat with each separately. It seems to me
that we should attack the Illyas first, as they are the most powerful of
the two."

"I do not altogether agree with you," responded John. "My view is that
we should proceed against the Tuolos, as they have committed the most
serious offense, in killing the Brabos."

"You speak wisely," said Muro. "The Brabos are not as well protected as
my people."

This observation, coming from Muro, was a most pleasing one to John and
the Professor, and Blakely was instructed to muster a force of two
hundred. Notices were sent to all the allied tribes, and within a week
they arrived, all eager to engage in the expedition.

"While engaged in that work the business must not cease here," observed
the Professor. "It will be your duty, Blakely, to thoroughly drill the
men, and instruct them in the uses of the weapons. For reasons which you
will understand, John will accompany the expedition."

During all this time there was not a day but the Professor, as well as
George, Ralph and Jim, whenever opportunity offered, scouted about in
various directions, and brought in new specimens of woods, flowers,
vegetables, and samples of ores.

The Professor's eyes were gladdened many times at the odd parcels left
on his table, that excited the curiosity of the boys. Jim was an
indefatigable gatherer of vegetable products, and one thing which
attracted him immensely was the branch of a tree which bore a number of
star-leaved clusters, each leaf being feather-veined, and the stems
carried numerous yellowish purple-spotted flowers, and also nuts about
the size of pigeon eggs.

"Down near the large river the banks are full of these. Can we make any
use of them?" asked Jim.

"Why that