ut I didn't mean it in that way."
The boys never felt resentful at anything that John might say, as they
knew and appreciated his noble character and disposition too well not to
understand that his remarks were never born of malice.
After a restful night preparations were made for a complete survey of
the mountain, if it might be so dignified. Its greatest altitude did not
exceed eight or nine hundred feet, and the width of the island at this
point did not exceed two miles. It was quite rugged toward the east, but
on the western side of the island the descent was sloping, and offered
easy examination.
The natives were instructed what to do, and were told that they should
particularly hunt for caves, or great holes, or entrances into the
hills. Four search parties were thus organized, John being at the head
of one, and George, Harry and Sutoto, each being a leader in the others.
Sutoto was most competent for work of this kind, as he had accompanied
the boys on many expeditions, and was anxious to be of service in the
quest.
John took a direction to the northeast, and Sutoto to the southeast,
thus leaving Harry and George with their parties to explore the region
to the west, and northwest.
As they were separating George slyly remarked: "John must have had some
particular reason for taking the direction he did."
Harry smiled. "I hope we shall find the first caves."
Before separating John told them that he was desirous of finding a
cavern which had certain peculiar markings therein, and the description
showed it to be Cross-shaped. This must not be forgotten.
They entered into the undertaking with the greatest enthusiasm.
The boys simply danced, as they went down the hill, so great was the joy
and the freedom of that beautiful spot. What a wonderful sensation is
produced by beautiful odors. It is like a thought which transports you.
On the other hand, when the odors are disagreeable how it depresses and
disgusts.
A great French physician has said that in his observations, the real
happy people are those who delight in beautiful odors; and while it is
not true that criminals are devoid of the elevating influence of
delightful perfumes, still, they are less influenced thereby.
In a number of tests made some years ago, a curious fact was observed:
Sweet odors were allowed to Teach sleeping patients, which, when they
did excite dreams, made them feel that they were living in a world of
bliss, and surro
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