hree children; the next, a strong, active native,
about twenty-five; a medium-sized young woman, almost white, of about
twenty, and the youngest a lad of seventeen, who was quickly attracted
to the boys.

These, together with their mother, undertook the task of distributing
the gifts to the people. Articles of adornment were, of course, the most
enticing to the natives, and John had anticipated this feeling in the
selection of the gifts.

After the feast of the good things, John broached the subject next to
his heart, and that was to explore the island, and particularly the
caves. In referring to the matter he said:

"I recognize that whatever treasure we may find in them belongs to you,
and you are entitled to them."

"But they are of no use to us," he responded. "I am not wise in the ways
of the world, but I am sure that great wealth, in the way of gold and
silver, would not make my people happy. I agree with you that
employment, and trying to teach people to help and care for each other,
is much more likely to make them happy, and besides, the treasures which
you refer to could not be used by them to any advantage."

"You have spoken wisely," answered John, "nevertheless, we have no need
of the riches which we may find. My search is for a different sort of
wealth."

"I do not understand what could be of more advantage, or repay you
better than gold and silver."

"It is believed that many of these places contain the records of people
who have lived here thousands of years ago. All over the world hidden
treasures of that kind have been found, some of them which go to show
that men lived on the earth hundreds of thousands of years."

"You are much wiser than I am, and understand the reason for making such
a search, but I do not see why that would be of any use to know those
things."

"A great man once said, 'Know thyself,' and another remarked, that the
'proper study of mankind is man.' To ascertain the origin of humanity,
how man lived and acted, what were his motives and desires, his beliefs
and his aspirations, and to know how he has improved, are interesting
questions to me."

He mused at this statement for a long time, and then quietly said: "That
may be so; it may make us greater and better men, and it may be
gratifying to have that knowledge, but I have now arrived at that time
of life where things appear differently from the way I used to look at
them. Every year I begin to think less of myself, and