at he is punished as
he deserves."

This judgment against the august one was like a death pall on the ears
of the sub-chiefs. The chief trembled; his footsteps, theretofore so
supple, were trembling, and he held out his hands for support.

The enormity of this punishment to a chief by whipping is the most
disgraceful thing that can happen. The person of a chief must not be
defiled by a rod, which is intended only for children and for offenses
committed by the unruly members of a tribe.

The procession filed out, and John hurriedly called Uraso and Muro to
his side, explaining in a whisper that they should intercede to prevent
the punishment.

The excitement of the surrounded warriors was intense, as the word was
circulated that their great chief had judgment pronounced against him,
and was to be publicly whipped.

As they were proceeding across the open space, Uraso and Muro, in well
simulated tones, begged that John should forego the punishment, but he
refused to comply until they had reached the place selected.

John advanced to him and said: "Your friends, Muro and Saboro, have
begged me not to inflict the punishment for lying; I have decided not to
do so at this time, as I am guided by their judgment, and I know they
are wise. Instead, you and your chiefs must come with me and see the
Great White Chief, and he may order that you shall not be punished."

This statement that he was not the Great White Chief was another piece
of news that he could not understand.

"And now, I want to know where you have the captives?"

He hesitated. He looked at Muro and Uraso in a different manner this
time. Uraso quietly spoke to him: "You cannot escape the vigilance of
the white man. The wonderful fire guns can kill all of your people. You
do not know what you are doing in trying to resist him. If you do not
tell him he will find them, and then I cannot plead for you."

The chief, turning to one of the sub-chiefs, said: "Sama will take you
to them."

The boys jumped as they learned the import of these words. They looked
at John. The latter turned to the chief and said:

"How far are they from this place?"

The distance was indicated by signs, which Uraso interpreted to mean two
hours.

"Bring in the wagons at once, and unload one of them; then take the
other, with twenty-five men well armed, and carry Sama with you. The
poor fellows are not, probably, in a condition to walk." Then, again
turning to the chief, he as