ll that the Krishnos considered themselves immune
from the threats of John, as they stood there and seemed to breathe
imprecations on the heads of their captors.

CHAPTER VIII

THE SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS

The situation was a tense one to the entire party, and John moved
forward, placing himself directly in front of them.

"Do you think the Great Spirit can prevent us from punishing you? If you
do not answer immediately I will call on him to lay stripes on you. Do
you answer?"

He stepped back slowly, and then suddenly spoke out the warning signal
that he had arranged with Muro, and instantly six of the most powerful
Saboros sprang upon them and bound them together face to face. John
stood there with arms folded. He raised a hand, and two of the warriors
raised the supple and toughened twigs, and brought them down on their
bare backs.

It was all done with such wonderful celerity and precision that it
astounded the circle of warriors beyond measure, and the effect was
doubly so to the two Krishnos. John had staged this to produce the
greatest effect. The Krishnos were bound with their heads side by side,
and a cloth put over their heads, so that they had no knowledge who
their tormentors were.

They danced about, and in their shrieks called out imprecations on their
enemies, but soon, as the blows continued, begged for mercy, and Muro
signaled them to cease.

The cloth was removed and John again addressed them. They again
persevered in their silence, and at a motion the cloth was again placed
over their heads.

Before the second chastisement began they yielded and the cords were
released.

"You see the Great Spirit did not come to your assistance. Why were you
going to the village?"

"To tell the chiefs not to yield to you."

"The Great Spirit has told me to tell you that the Tuolos must give up
their captives, and cease war. Will you tell the chief so?"

"The Great Spirit did not tell you so," they defiantly answered.

At a signal from John the cords were again brought into play, and the
cloth exhibited. At this sight they pleaded for mercy, and promised to
do as John requested. They were released and conducted to the outer line
of pickets, and quickly disappeared within the village.

It was now nearly four in the morning, and the first streaks of light
began to show in the east. Muro knew the Tuolo character. They regarded
themselves to be the superiors of all the tribes, and hitherto had