though you see it with your eyes?"

"I didn't think of it in that way," said Harry, apologetically. "I like
the old fellow. He is good enough to be a white man."

CHAPTER X

PECULIARITIES OF THE NATIVE TRIBE

Within an hour the feast was ready, and the men in the open were already
making merry with the maidens who prepared the meal. George and Harry
frequently nudged each other, as they caught the eyes of some of the
native boys who were very attentive to the gentler sex.

Within the Chief's dwelling there was the most animated conversation
indulged in by the Chief, Uraso and John, and to this number were added
the Chief's brother, and a handsome man who was probably one of the
Chief's principal advisors. Muro and Uraso were the interpreters.

The latter, by turns, told the Chief where they sailed from, and what
their history had been for the past three years. They told about the
wonderful Professor, and all concerning John, and what part the two boys
had taken in the transformation of the island.

"But where is this wonderful ship?" asked the Chief.

"On the other side of the island," answered Uraso.

"Then why do you not bring it here?"

"We should have done so, but we did not know we had a friend here."

"I want to see the wonderful place you have told me about,--your home,
and how you make people happy," said the Chief.

John's face lit up when this was interpreted to him.

"What do your people work at?" the Chief abruptly asked Muro.

"We make many curious things, like the articles you have here," and he
pointed to George's belongings, which were still lying about.

The Chief hurriedly gathered them up and handed them to George. The
latter, after turning to John, refused to take them, and addressing
Uraso, said: "Tell him that I want him to take them, and my gun, as
well."

The Chief could not understand this, and at first refused, but John, as
well as Uraso, insisted, and the latter said:

"These boys can make these things, and they do not feel that they are
sacrificing anything, beyond what it is their duty to do."

The Chief looked doubtfully at the boys, as he remarked: "Do you tell me
that these _memees_, (Boys) made these things?"

Uraso and Muro both assured them that such was the case, and added: "And
still more wonderful things."

After some conversation Uraso turned to John and said: "The Chief wishes
to send a runner to bring the ship to the harbor here. Hasmo may
accompa