no attention to them, while the band was playing, but
when it ceased, it was evident that they shrunk back from these dreaded
men.

John beckoned Uraso and Muro to come forward, and the Chief welcomed
them. "As chiefs of your tribes you should be here with us. The White
Chief tells me that in his country the band and the flag always go
first, and I have asked him to tell us how we should march to the
forest."

John then told those present how the procession should form. The band
was marched to the front, and George, who had the small flag, was placed
directly behind the band. Then the Chief, with Uraso and Muro on either
side, and directly behind them Harry took position with the large flag.

After the flag the Korinos, without their tall leader, however, were
placed in line. John then motioned to the people to take their places
following the Korinos, and the moment the column was thus formed the
band struck up a lively marching tune, and John accompanied by the tall
fantastic leader, went ahead of the band.

The leader knew, of course, where the procession must go, and he thus
wisely made the arrangement for the occasion. The procession wended its
way directly to the north, along a well-beaten path, and after ascending
a hill, turned to the left, and entered a sort of grove.

The boys were delighted to notice the magnificent Magnolia trees in full
bloom, the flowers of which surpassed anything they had ever seen, and
the perfume was almost overpowering in its intensity.

To the boys this peculiar procession had something mysterious about it.
Neither John, nor the two Chiefs had any idea of its significance. John
directed a questioning look toward the articles which the Korinos
carried.

When the crest of the hill was reached they made one complete circle,
and the head of the column stopped before the most magnificent magnolia
tree in the grove. The leader marched along the line and the people soon
formed themselves into a circle with the tree in the center.

All chatter had stopped. While ascending the hill, and up to this time,
there was a never ending clatter of voices; but now all were quiet, and
gazed to the top of the tree. The tall leader, at the nod of the Chief
came forward and approached the tree, and with the long spear struck it
three times, and then turned to the Korinos, who had now followed him.

Then, he turned again, and struck the tree three times more, and this
was repeated the third time. A