annot go
to you; but when my people return we will be better prepared to resist."

The chief was visibly affected at this consideration for him, and he
thanked the Professor for sending the messengers.

The boys, Jim and Will, were interested observers in all that was taking
place, and the Professor had them about him at all times, and to them he
communicated his orders. Their ready understanding of the native tongue
was a great help to the Professor.

It was for this reason that the Professor was glad the two boys were
content to remain with him. Speaking about the savages, to the
Professor, Jim remarked: "There is always one thing which seems singular
about these fellows. They are awfully quick at learning. Now, what I
can't understand is, that, quick as they are, they do not seem to
advance very much, but stay in the same rut right along."

The Professor smiled at the observation, as he replied: "Sir John
Lubbock, a noted English naturalist, sums up his estimate of the savage
mind in the following statement: 'Savages unite the character of
childhood with the passions and strength of men.' Their utter simplicity
is their weakness. When that is aroused, if properly done, they become
men."

"But what is the great difficulty in the way of their advance?"

"The greatest writers seem to agree that the primary want of the savage
is a rigid, definite and concise law. The idea of order does not appeal
to him, except to a limited extent. Like children, they do not go beyond
the immediate thing. The reasoning faculties are not impaired, but are
undeveloped."

But Jim's observation was true. Blakely early discovered this in
treating with the natives, and it did not take long to make them
understand that by working together for the common defense they could be
made far more effective than by permitting each to do as his own impulse
dictated.

Thus, by constant association with the head men in the different tribes,
he early learned who were the best runners, and the most skillful
scouts, and who were particularly reliable for the different branches of
the service.

Sutoto, as stated, was the most valuable factor, and the Professor grew
to love him. One day he came in great haste, and said: "I have news for
you. The tribes are directly north of us, and appear to be moving to the
east."

"Do you know how large a force they have?"

"Fully three hundred."

"Have you any theory why they have not attacked us before?"