day," said Uraso.

The Chief was astounded at the audacity of the visitors. He could not
understand the presumption of Uraso, and the defiant attitude of the
little group behind him.

"Then I command the Korinos to destroy you!" he shouted.

Muro turned to the boys, and smiled as he said: "Do you know what he
means? He calls them Korinos. On Wonder Island they are Krishnos. That
seems pretty close to the same thing."

Uraso held up a hand, as he said: "I have a Korino here (pointing to
John), and he will destroy your Korinos."

The witch doctors then ranged themselves in front of the Chief, and the
latter said: "They will sacrifice your friend who came to us to-day."

To the astonishment of all, Tarra was led forward, and ordered to kneel
down. Then a great burly man, clothed in the garb so common to the
sorceress among savage tribes, followed him with a huge knotted club.

"Tell him that if he raises the club I will order the Korino to die."

This was imparted, but it made no difference to the executioner. He
stepped forward, and slowly raised the club, but before it had reached
its highest point, a revolver in the hands of John spoke, and the savage
dropped the club, and slowly sank to the earth.

It would be impossible to describe the consternation that showed itself
at this catastrophe.

"Come here, Tarra," cried John.

Tarra leaped to his feet, and with a few bounds was at Uraso's side,
while Harry jumped forward and cut the thongs that bound his hands.

The Chief was bewildered, no less than those around him. No effort was
made to prevent Tarra from escaping. The other Korinos did not even go
forward to the relief of their slain comrade. He lay there motionless.

"I am sorry," said John. "I must have made a miscalculation, but I am
afraid he is dead."

Then one of the Korinos moved toward the fallen man. "Stop!" cried John.
"It will be death for any one to touch him now!"

Uraso hurriedly informed the Chief of this new piece of information,
which, in reality, caused more terror than the shot itself. What species
of sorcery was this that they dared not even touch the victim who
disobeyed the white Korino?

CHAPTER IV

RESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE

"Did you deliver the message at the landing place?" asked George, after
Tarra was freed.

"No; they captured me late last night. I tried for hours to get through,
but they were within a mile of the landing," answered Tarra.

"But where have y