distributed.

The Chief and his household were first provided for. The articles
consisted of coats, and different articles of wear for the Chief,
together with a watch, a revolver, and a camera.

"This will give both of you boys an opportunity to give the Chief some
lessons in these instruments," said John.

The articles for the women were received with screams of delight that
pleased the Chief beyond measure. Bits of lace, the like of which had
never been seen on the island, cotton fabric, beads, articles of
ornamentation, and finally full-fledged dresses, were only parts of the
gifts which went to the women and children.

"With your permission," said John, to the Chief, "I will offer gifts to
your people, and you may state that during the afternoon the articles
will be arranged in packages so that all will receive presents of like
value."

The boys, as well as Uraso and Muro, were busy making up the gifts for
distribution. During the remaining portion of the day they were busily
engaged in this work, which brought the greatest joy and happiness to
the natives.

It may well be imagined that Uraso and Muro were not slow in imparting
the news of Wonder Island to the natives. John had a long conference
with the Chief on the same subject.

"But how can we get these articles?" he asked, as John told him how they
made the wonderful things.

"You can make them here," he answered.

"But we cannot make them if we do not have the tools."

"Then you can buy them," responded John.

"But what have we that you want?" he asked, as he eagerly scanned John's
face.

"Your land is full of things that the people in Wonder Island want, and
the whole world will buy them of you."

"Will you tell me what they want and how we shall get them ready for
you?"

"It will give us pleasure to send our people over who can tell you what
spices, and nuts, and coffee, and other things which you have in
abundance, can be prepared, and what they are worth, and it will be the
means of giving the people work, and peace and contentment."

"But if we do not have any more fighting with our enemy there will be no
need of a strong Chief," he remarked, thinking of his new relation to
the scheme as outlined.

"There will be a much greater need of a strong man like you, who can
mete out equal justice to the people," remarked John.

CHAPTER IX

THE REMARKABLE CAVE EXPLORATIONS

But the time was now at hand, when it became necessary