ushed off and
met their friends, but George and Harry were not permitted to walk down
the gang plank. The joy at seeing them again was so intense that the
people took them on their shoulders, and the Professor had a hard time
to get near enough to grasp them and bid a welcome.

The people marveled at the boys. They were dressed up in regulation
American style, and the Professor asked them if they had brought the
"latest" cuts to put in the show windows.

Everybody followed, and the bantering and cheering made a continuous
performance for them until they reached their home. All the chiefs were
there, dressed up for the occasion, and what delighted them more than
anything else was the fact that the Krishnos, the former witch doctors
of the tribes, and who were now the teachers for the children, were the
first to offer congratulations on their return.

There was no work in the town that day. Everybody determined to
celebrate, and it was with hearts full of joy that the boys witnessed
the demonstrations in their behalf.

"Isn't this a glorious home-coming?" said George. "It was worth the trip
here to witness it."

"It does seem strange to call it a 'home-coming,' but that is just what
it is," answered Harry. "How happy the people are. They seem to
appreciate everything that has been done for them, and it is such a
pleasure to do things for those who appreciate it."

The stories which John brought to the Professor were so beguiling that
he promised the boys that he would probably be able during the next year
to make a visit with them to their homes, and this delighted them beyond
measure.

Although they had been absent four months, they noted many improvements
made during their absence. The boys, on their own initiative, visited
many of the homes, and talked to the people, and told them of the visit
home. And how those simple people enjoyed this kindly act, and cherished
it for months afterwards.

But it was now time to think seriously of the contemplated voyage of
discovery, which was ever uppermost in the minds of the boys. While
conversing on the subject a few evenings after their return, Harry
remarked: "I suppose we must use the _Pioneer_ for our trip, as the
_Wonder_ will have to make the regular trips?"

"John and I think that would be the wisest plan. The native sailors are
now well adapted to handle her, and do you know that Sutoto sailed her
around the island?"

This was pleasing to the boys, who liked