ges! He could hardly believe
it.

"Don't worry about George too much," said John consolingly. "I am
inclined to think he has had enough experience within the past two years
to help him out of immediate trouble, and we will then be able to take a
hand."

This somewhat relieved Harry. It is possible that George might be able
to take care of himself. "But suppose they kill him?" This was his great
fear.

"It is not at all likely they will do that," remarked Muro. "Those who
captured him form only a small party, and it is not at all likely that
there was a chief with them. Under the circumstances they would not dare
kill him until the Chief ordered it."

John smiled as he nodded at the explanation given by Muro. After all, it
was not as bad as it might be. Now to the rescue. Muro begged permission
to do scouting work until Uraso arrived, and selecting Stut as his
companion, they glided through the forest directly to the east.

They were now fully twelve miles from the boat, and the runner could be
depended on to reach Uraso within an hour, if not hindered on the
journey. It would then take, possibly, two hours more for the party to
return, so that it was safe to assume that they would have to remain in
the vicinity for the next three hours.

John decided that the time should be spent in exploring the directions
to the southeast and to the northeast as well, so they might be well
informed when the reinforcements arrived.

Hasmo glided through the forest like a deer. He knew that it was
imperative to reach the shore before one o'clock, because at that time
the vessel would leave for the southeastern point. To get there too late
would mean a trip for fifteen miles or more along the shore to reach the
next landing.

The dense forest near the shore prevented him from seeing the vessel
until he crossed the last ridge, and when he finally came within view
of the harbor the ship had disappeared. He stopped and glanced to the
south, but no ship was in sight. This was a situation which had been
considered, from the point of view of the departure of the vessel; but
where had it gone?

He went to the shore, where Uraso's party had been, and then,
laboriously ascended the point beyond, and from which he could get a
clear view of the sea. There, far beyond, was the _Pioneer_, sailing to
the southeast under a strong breeze.

He tore off his jacket, and seizing a branch, began to wave it back and
forth. The ship went on, and