along. This was purposely
done, in the hope that during the time he was recovering his erect
position he could draw the revolver.

He had his course of action all planned out. He had no desire to kill,
and he made up his mind that he would first cover them and then by
motions wave them away, but it would be necessary to depend upon mimicry
for this.

He had learned from John that savages are naturally the most expert
pantomimists, and are able to express many things by gestures, this
faculty having been made the more acute because the different tribes
are frequently brought into contact without any connecting link in the
dialects or languages.

If they refused, or made any attempt to seize him, he would then shoot
the leader, and thus strike terror into the others. But while he was
thus arranging all the details in his mind, he was startled at seeing a
whole group of savages leap from the side of the ill-defined path, which
they were now traveling, and they speedily surrounded the captor and
captive.

Then began a bedlam of explanations as they crowded around George. Some
came up and felt his arms, and other portions of his body. He smiled
meanwhile. It was the only thing he could do, and he knew it would be
useless to look troubled.

The next moment the visitors were examining the glass, the cartridge
belt, the knife and the watch, and George was, temporarily forgotten,
although surrounded so that he could not possibly force his way through.

He thought it a remarkable thing that they should thus hold and watch
him with such tenacity. While thus discussing him, a new party appeared,
and now for the first time there was an attempt to show deference.

The leader of the party was the most powerful savage George had ever
seen. Uraso was a powerful warrior, and Chum was also noted for his
strength, but it seemed that the man now coming up must be a giant. Some
of the immediate party rushed up to him, and after making a respectful
bow, told him of the capture.

He approached with dignity, and those around George moved away.

Without a moment's hesitation George moved toward the Chief, and when
ten feet away, he stopped, straightened himself erect, and with a most
courtly bow smiled as he recovered his position.

The strong and resolute manner in which this was done was really a cause
for marvel in the savage. He looked at his people, and spoke a few
words, and those who had been his guards came forward most
defe