yourself to get the Korinos, because they will not come out of their
caves."

"But how can they find food there? If you prevent them from getting
food they will be compelled to come out or starve."

"They will starve before they will permit themselves to be taken."

"Then," answered John, "why do you not order your warriors to enter the
cave and take them by force?"

"But who dares to go in?"

"I dare to go in, but you must order me to do so," answered John.

The Chief jumped up in an instant. "And will you go?" he asked in the
greatest delight.

"By all means. You must go with me to the cave, and there command me to
enter and bring them forth."

The Chief's eyes danced with delight, and he could hardly await the hour
for starting on the mission.

The boys and the two companion chiefs, were in their glory upon hearing
of the decision to get the Korinos. Before leaving the Chief John
questioned him very closely on the location of the cave, and whether
there were not other caves on the island to the north.

"I have heard that there is another one to the north, that was used in
olden times by the Korinos who lived when my father was Chief. I also
know that far to the north where the false and treacherous Umbolos live,
are great caves which no man may enter."

"Do they have Korinos in the Umbolo tribe?"

"No; they do not believe in a Great Spirit."

"Then, if they have no Korinos, why do they not dare to enter the
caverns?"

"Because they have been told that it is death to go into the dark."

"Do you know why they think so?"

"Because, a long time ago, the only man who ever returned from the dark
caves, brought out the bones of men who had died there."

"But it did not kill that man who brought them out?"

"Yes; he died. And now no one dares enter those places."

It may be imagined how this intelligence stirred up the boys. It was
impossible to keep them from talking about it. To John it was like a
magic wand; it seemed to wave before his eyes and to talk to him. What
if they had really found the great cave on which John's heart was so
keenly bent?

But the Korinos must be freed. That afternoon, just before starting, the
boys were surprised to see the band coming up the street. How they
laughed, as they scented John's little ruse. It would, indeed, be a
treat to bring the Korinos out of their dark resorts to some good old
marching tune.

The band struck up a familiar air, and to its lively tones