in. When her father died I became Chief, but
long before his death, I controlled the people, as I knew so much more,
and had superior wisdom, judged by their standard, that they obeyed me
in everything.

"But much as I abhorred, and tried to prevent it, as I did on many
occasions, they practiced their rites, and had their Korinos, the real
offenders, who taught them the necessity of sacrifices.

"But when I became Chief, I sternly refused to permit them to kill their
captives, and cannibalism was practiced only by stealth. I succeeded in
stamping out the practice only by putting the Korinos to death, and in
shutting up their caves."

The boys, as well as John were riveted to their seats during this entire
recital, until he referred to the caves, when they relaxed, and
indicated their pleasure and anxiety. That meant still further quests in
that direction.

The Chief noticed their movement, and continued: "I am tiring you, but
permit me to add only a few things. I have endeavored to better the
condition of these people, and have succeeded. To the south of us was a
powerful tribe. My first care was to make ourselves secure against them.

"Like my people they, too, were cannibals. They were ruled over by a
Chief who was cruel, and whenever any of their people escaped I took
them in and cared for them, and there are now many of those living with
us who could not be induced to go back. For more than forty years no one
has been killed and eaten by my people."

"Your work here is certainly most commendable. There is nothing which
needs apology. Under the circumstances you have done all that was
possible, and to the best of your ability. No one can do more," was
John's timely observation.

"I thank you for the compliment. I owe everything to the few books which
my comrade taught me to read. When I left the United States my heart was
bitter toward all mankind. I could not see why I should have been
treated in such a harsh manner among civilized people, but when I landed
here and saw how much worse the conditions were, I began to reflect. It
would have been an easy and a natural thing for me to be brutal to
others, as they had been to me."

"You have shown a noble spirit, and I shall try to help you in caring
for your people. Our ship is here, and we have some things for you, as
soon as they can be unloaded," rejoined John.

During the afternoon communication was established with the _Pioneer_,
and the natives were wi