had just left.

The walls were absolutely solid on all sides, the only entrance being by
way of the narrow little passageway through which they had come. Harry
picked up the box, and swung it up to his shoulder, and, John leading
the way, they filed out and passed through the chamber, quickly making
their way to the opening through which they first entered the cave.

Within an hour they were back in the village, and found Muro there
awaiting their arrival. "We have found their trail, and they have not
gone to the upper cave. They are heading straight for the tribe in the
northern end of the island."

"I am surprised at that," said John. "We must consult the Chief about
this," and without another word, he hurriedly went over to the Chief,
who was as much astounded as John could be at the peculiar significance
of their actions.

CHAPTER X

THE TRIBE TO THE NORTH

Instead of conveying the copper box to the village it was carried to the
landing place and taken to the vessel, where it could be examined later,
when they had more time. It was now of more importance to keep in touch
with Muro and Uraso, the former of whom had gone to the north as soon as
he had given the report mentioned in the last chapter.

On the return to the village they discussed the affairs of the previous
day, which John had abstained from mentioning.

"What is it that really makes the people act that way when they are
hypnotized!" asked George. "I have heard it said that there isn't any
truth in mesmerism."

"Mesmerism is the old term used to designate certain phenomena, which,
originally, was supposed to be a force that emanated from the mesmerist.
It is now known that hypnotism may be regarded as artificial catalepsy."

"But what is catalepsy?"

"It is an affection produced by hysteria, during which the patient's
body becomes rigid. It is claimed by some that somnambulism is one phase
of the hypnotic condition."

"But in what way do your motions act on the one who is being
hypnotized?"

"The motions have nothing whatever to do with producing the condition.
That is for effect, merely. Those who are able to bring about a mesmeric
condition, try to concentrate the mind on some particular thing, and by
making gentle motions, or passes, this is more forcibly impressed on
them."

"What was the object of Uraso telling them that the White Man's death
was a terrible one, and trying to frighten them?"

"Merely to make them concentra