, because he is wise."

He did not seem to understand this, and asked for more information.
Uraso told him that the white man did not regard the strong man as the
greatest, but that the wisest man was always the Chief.

Here was certainly a new philosophy. "But," he inquired, "then how can
he rule his people, if he is not strong?"

"The people willingly submit to his will because they know what he says
is best for them."

"But does not the Chief sometimes tell them lies, and does he not often
deceive them?"

"Yes; but when they do so then the people choose another Chief in his
place."

"And after they have killed the first Chief, and have taken another,
and he lies, do they also kill him?"

"No; they do not kill the Chiefs, but they only put others in their
places."

"Then they are not wise Chiefs?"

"No; they are wise only when they do what is right."

"Do what is right! What do you mean by that? How can the Chief do
anything but right?"

"Do you think," asked Uraso, "that the Chief has a right to lie or
deceive?"

"Yes, he can do that, but not his people. It is wrong for them to do
so."

"But the white man believes that it is just as wrong for the Chief to
lie and to deceive, as for the people to do so."

The Chief was silent for a long time, and John purposely permitted him
to reflect on the new dispensation. While thus musing on the new theory,
a woman carrying a child appeared at the door. John saw her, and,
stepping out, took the child from her arms. She permitted it, and when
the Chief appeared she fell down and explained that the White Chief had
been very kind to her.

John took some medicine from a small vial, and administered it, the
Chief meanwhile looking on in astonishment. Here was a great White
Chief, looking out for the comfort of one of the poorest of his people.

Uraso knew his thoughts. This woman was the poorest and the lowest in
the tribe, and John, without stopping to make any inquiries as to her
condition, or position in life, had aided her and her old mother.

Evidently the new doctrine was something so extraordinary, that it was
worth investigating. Uraso saw the embarrassment in the mind of the
Chief, and after speaking a few words, withdrew.

As they left the Chief's quarters the boys roamed through the village.
The stories of the sufferers which John had aided, the scrupulous care
with which the men guarded the homes of the villagers while they were
absent, had a most