ake steps toward meeting the natives?"

"It will be used to fall back upon."

"Oh, then you intend to take measures against them at once?"

"Not for the first day, at least. As soon as we are established there we
will investigate the region to the east, and if we find the shore line
closer on the eastern shore, we can then send a runner with a message to
the landing place, giving them the information."

The boys now understood. It was evident that it would have been bad
policy to retreat in face of the enemy, if such he should prove to be.
Something must be done to divert the natives for the time being. This
would give them time to communicate with their vessel.

"There is one thing that must be remembered. The savages know of our
presence here. They are now on the alert, and we are being watched with
the greatest vigilance. If they think there is an opportunity for fresh
victims it will stimulate them to the greatest exertions."

"I agree with you in that view," said Uraso, as John finished speaking.

CHAPTER II

THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL

After a hurried breakfast the party marched along the southern crest of
the hill, keeping as much out of view of the watchers on the northern
side as possible. The course adopted was one well calculated to deceive
the natives, for while the main bulk of the party silently left the
camping place, a half dozen of their companions were left behind, and
they were particular to remain exposed at intervals, so that the
departure of the main party would not be discovered.

To those left behind, John said: "Remain here until you hear firing. In
that event you will know that we have met them, and that fact will be
sufficient notice that your duty here is at an end. Uraso has begged the
privilege of being with you, and you know that is an assurance of your
safety in any event."

The place suggested by John was not over two miles distant. Muro went
ahead with one of the most reliable men of his tribe, and at intervals
this runner was sent back with the information that the course was
clear.

Everything pointed to the success of the scheme, until they were within
sight of the place, when the runner came back hurriedly with the
information that Muro had seen the first of the natives, and he felt
certain that they were at the place selected for their fort.

The party halted. The runner returned, and John sent back a messenger to
Uraso, advising him to come forward at once. Wit