be found. It also assured them of
the certain knowledge that there were others, either wandering about, or
sharing the captivity mentioned in the message.

"I should state here," continued John, "I was informed by one of the
chiefs that their disposition to the shipwrecked mariners had been, in
the past, a friendly one, but that some time previously, how far back I
do not know, a crew had been saved, and instead of rewarding them for
the service, had murdered one of the chiefs and committed such excesses,
that in self-protection they slaughtered them, and, thereafter, took
prisoners only in order to use them for their sacrifices."

The plans for the forthcoming expedition were now fully discussed in
every detail. The first proposal was to build a vessel of sufficient
size to accommodate the party, but to this John offered the same
objection which they had theretofore found so potent when the last trip
was undertaken. It would take too long, and when they reached the
savages it would be necessary to make a trip or trips inland.

The situation now was entirely different. There was no longer a question
in their minds as to the existence of savages, and, furthermore, they
knew the location, and the knowledge of John was positive on another
point: They were not located near the sea, and the most powerful tribes
were far inland.

All these facts compelled them to undertake the journey overland. The
wagon was the only means to transport their supplies, and as all except
the Professor, were vigorous, they would be far better able to cope with
the savages in that way than by the sea route.

Now let us see what was necessary for the purposes of defense. They had
a force of six men, as Chief was not considered one of the force,
notwithstanding his friendly attitude. They had ten guns, and Ralph and
Tom had been engaged for weeks in turning out additional gun barrels,
for which the stocks had not yet been prepared.

John suggested that twenty-five of the guns would be ample for almost
any force that might be brought against them, and that provision should
be made so that while in defense, each could carry two guns, by having
one of them strapped on the back.

Ammunition was of more importance, really, than guns. They had learned
this at the last encounter, and it was lack of this that eventually
forced them to retreat.

On that basis, namely, of twenty-five guns, ten rounds would mean two
hundred and fifty shells, and it w