ve up the captives you had?"

"No."

"Send out for that warrior," John ordered, as he glanced at Oroto.

Muro accompanied one of the sub-chiefs, and in a few moments returned
with him. He came in with face hanging down.

He was placed before John. "Why did you lie to the chief?"

The savage was mute. He cast an appealing glance at his chief, but the
latter did not notice him.

Addressing Uraso, John said: "Take this man out and beat him. He must be
punished for lying."

George called in several of the warriors, who were instructed to carry
out the decree. In the meantime Uraso called John aside, and stated that
the poor fellow had undoubtedly told the truth, but the chief had lied.

"I suspected that," answered John. "I do not want the man beaten, so
that you may go and stop the execution of it, but do not let the chief
know that the order was not carried out."

"Did you get a second message from me yesterday through one of your own
warriors?"

"Yes."

"What did he tell you?"

"He said that you had declared war against me and my people and would
kill all of us and take our women and children into captivity."

"Did he not tell you that we came to make terms of friendship, and that
all we wanted was the captives which you wrongfully held?"

"No."

"Bring in that warrior."

Uraso went out with one of the sub-chiefs, and when he appeared
addressed him sharply:

"Why did you lie to your chief, and not tell him what I told you? Answer
me."

The chief merely glanced at the wretch, and the latter bowed his head.
The question was repeated, and he was told that he would be protected
against the fury of his chief if he would tell the truth. As he was
about to reply the chief merely glanced at him, and his lips were
sealed.

"Take him out and beat him as severely as you have beaten the other.
These people must be taught to learn that they should not lie."

Uraso understood John's look, and acted accordingly. He was taken out,
but was not beaten.

Turning to the chief, and acting on the information imparted by Uraso,
he startled Oroto by the following question:

"Why did you lie to me and allow your warriors to be beaten?"

The question stunned him for a moment. John did not permit him time to
frame an excuse.

"You lied to me when you stated that they had told you the things you
said, and I know it. You are deserving of the same punishment as those
who were wrongfully beaten. Take him out and see th