"When we saw that you did not destroy our villages, and did not take our
women and children, when you could have done so, we believed you. We
believe the Great White Chief, but we do not believe the different
tribes."

"Then I cannot accept your surrender. You may take all your weapons and
return to your village, and if you choose to do so, join your late
allies. We will not make a movement against you until you have done so.
You must believe Suros and Uraso, and Oma and Muro, as well as myself."

He cast a curious glance about him, as the Professor spoke. This was a
new species of warfare. What! allow him to return and continue the war,
after he was in their power? The savage mind could not comprehend its
meaning.

"Why does the White Chief offer me such terms? I am in his power."

"Because the white man does not believe in taking advantage of an enemy
who has entrusted himself in his hands. As long as he is here he will
not permit it, and the chiefs who are with me will not ask me to do it."

"I do not understand this. Does Suros say so?"

"The White Chief says the truth. He brings us a message from the Great
Spirit. That message is different from the ones we learned. He has told
me why our message is wrong, and my people will never again attack
another people."

This declaration bewildered Tastoa. He had heard the words of the wise
Suros. But Oma arose and said: "I have been your enemy and you have
been ours. The White Chief has been good to us, and I could not
understand why. He has told us new things, and how we may live in
happiness, and we believe him. When we took your warriors and captured
your villages three days ago, he ordered that no one should be hurt, and
he has given the warriors the best of food, and treated them as he
treated his own warriors. We will follow his ways."

Muro's eyes glistened as he arose to speak. "I and my people love the
Great White Chief. I have come from their village, and all they have in
the village is now coming to all of our people, and we are to learn the
new way of living. From the time the White Chief rescued me from you, he
has said to us, 'Do not kill; do not kill; but you have a right to
defend yourselves.' They have made the weapons which talk with fire, and
there are so many of them that they could quickly kill all of your
people, if he would permit it. Now we are going to live like the White
Chief tells us."

"Then, if the White Chief tells me I must believe