by watching
and charting the direction they took on their way to the dark places
where they hoped to rest in fancied security.

Within fifteen minutes their rear guard came into sight, rushing over
the hills, all expectant to find an enemy in their front. Great was
their surprise to see the village beyond, and John and his party
bending over the two bodies, one of them moving and the other inert.
Apparently, he and his force were unconcerned, although many savages
were in the village, and in plain sight.

An examination of the fallen men made John happy, because he feared that
his aim had been untrue. Both had been severely wounded, and when an
hour afterwards both men were able to move, thanks to the knowledge and
care of John, they were carried into the village.

Before this was done, however, John ordered the force to march boldly
into the village. On the approach of the party the Chief and his
followers, together with the women and children, hurriedly fled to the
north.

Among the huts were found a dozen or more sick and injured men and
women, and a number of old people who were unable to be carried away.
John went to each, and after carefully examining them, administered
medicine.

In one place they found two warriors, who had been wounded in the battle
four days previously. These were given special attention, the villagers
meanwhile looking on the proceeding with a feeling of awe, and wonder.
They could not comprehend the care and treatment which was being given
them.

John's companions were most eager to render aid, and spoke to the
patients freely, telling them that they were friends, and not enemies.
During this investigation into every corner of the village, George and
Harry were the most active. They found many amusing things, but the care
of the sick and the infirm was the first duty, and they had many
willing helpers.

While thus engaged they reached a long, low thatched enclosure, so
entirely different from the huts scattered about. There was no visible
opening. They walked around the enclosure with more and more curiosity.
Some of their companions from Wonder Island then drew near.

"We have found it!" cried one of them.

"What is it?" asked Harry.

"This is the place where they keep the captives."

"But how can we get into it?" asked George, then adding, "Get one of the
hatchets, quickly."

Several men ran back and opened the packages containing their equipment,
and others followed to s