ased, and, bounding forward, was soon within the
line of earthworks which surrounded the village. The message gave a full
two hours for them to decide. There was not a sign of an Illyas until
near the time limit, when the same one which conveyed their message was
noticed approaching the line of the allies.

He came directly to John, and conveyed this information:

"The chiefs do not intend to do as the White Chief says. They are
entitled to the captives, and intend to keep them. If the village is
attacked the white chiefs and the tribes will be destroyed. We do not
fear him and his fire weapons."

John motioned to the warrior to depart. For a moment he looked at John
in amazement. Judging the actions of the white man by the ethics of the
savage, such a message would have meant his death. He glanced around
stealthily.

Uraso saw why he hesitated, and remarked to him: "You are free to go. No
one will injure you, because the White Chief has given his word to
protect you. He is not like the Illyas. He does not lie."

CHAPTER XIV

THE SURPRISE AND CAPTURE OF THE ILLYAS' STRONGHOLD

John smiled, as he saw with what satisfaction Uraso gave him this
parting shot. Still he hesitated.

Uraso went up to him, and he started back. "You need not fear me because
we will keep our word. Say to your chiefs that Uraso tells them they are
fools. The Illyas cannot succeed. They will be crushed and their
villages taken. Your village is surrounded, and you cannot get aid from
your other villages. Go and tell them that we shall not again ask them
to treat with us."

This address assured him and he first marched along carefully, and soon
made his way with celerity to the village. The Illyas were,
unquestionably, as much surprised as the messenger at the treatment he
had received. It was so unlike all former experiences.

During John's investigations he had discovered that the approach to the
village on the east side offered the best chance for a rush, as the
character of the ground was better suited to go up close to the line of
works, and from that point a better view was obtained of the interior of
the village.

A movement during the daytime would disclose his motives, and he
therefore advised Uraso and Muro of his plans, and suggested that as
they would be able to mass the troops better during the night, the
attack should be delayed until early morning.

"During the day we will make a great show of putting up a line of