rry and I have been considering the matter," said George. "We think
it would be well to leave this place, and go back to the landing and
wait for the _Pioneer_. We will then be ready, with reinforcements to
meet them with more than an even chance."

"But," remarked John; "are you willing to go back, and permit the devils
here to destroy the captives they may have, or, to prevent them from
sacrificing their own people?"

The boys had not thought of this. "I know the feast days, during which
these events will take place, will occur within the next four days,"
added Muro.

"If that is so," said Harry, "I am willing to do my share in keeping
them from it. What do you suggest?"

"We must try to get into communication with them, and if we fail then I
am in favor of taking some stringent measures to divert them from their
purpose," answered John.

"Then you may be assured we are with you to the end," said George.

"After talking with Uraso and Muro, we have agreed on a plan that may be
successful, and it will at any rate, for the time, prevent them from
carrying out their festival scheme." As John said this Muro appeared,
and stated that he had discovered the arrival of at least a hundred
natives on the hill beyond the second ravine, and that he saw smoke on
the third hill beyond that, and was of the opinion that the village must
not be far away.

This intelligence added interest to the situation. As nearly as could be
estimated they were at least fifteen miles from the landing place
selected when the _Pioneer_ sailed.

"Unless I am very much mistaken the ridge on which we now are is the
backbone of the island, and I also believe that it is narrow and we
should be able to find the sea much nearer by going east from this
place," remarked John.

"But if we do that it will be necessary for some one to go to the place
selected for the landing of the _Pioneer_, and tell them of our plans,
and what we have learned," said Harry.

"That is what I have in mind. But before doing that we must investigate
this portion of the island more carefully. My plan is as follows: Along
this ridge, further to the east, is a sheltered spot, or a place where
the rocks form a sort of cove, and which can be easily defended. If the
natives have not reached that quarter it will make an ideal retreat for
us, and where we can defend ourselves for an indefinite time."

"But why should we take up time to find a place like that if you intend
to t