The Wonder Island Boys: Conquest of the Savages | Page 7

that the wagon with the whites was
entering their country, all sought to effect the capture; but the enmity
between certain tribes caused several of them to unite and the three
most bitter and vindictive, namely, the Tuolos, Kurabus and the Illyas,
were opposed to the Osagas, the Saboros and the Berees.
It was fortunate that all these forces met at the place where the wagon
was located, and in the battle which followed, the whites and their

allies won. The situation was, however, that the victory might soon be a
fruitless one, because the three tribes could muster a larger force than
the four tribes now joined under the Professor, and might renew the
attack at any time.
"Let us now see what the situation is," said the Professor, to the chiefs.
"I have made a map of the island, showing where the various tribes are
located, and where the villages are situated, so we may all have a like
understanding."
"I would suggest," said John, "that a part of the force be sent to the
Cataract and bring all the machinery and stock we have at that place, to
this part of the island, where it can be set up and operated. In that way
we can the more readily teach the people how to do the work."
"That is absolutely necessary, as it is too far off where the plant is now
located, to be of service to us."
[Illustration: Fig. 1. Position of the Wagon and attacking Forces.]
"If you will allow me to say something it might help us," remarked
Muro. "Let the Professor select a certain number of warriors from each
tribe, to go to your village and bring the things here, and others will
remain, and watch our enemies."
"That is a good idea," observed Blakely, "but before doing that I think
we ought to muster our forces, so that we may know what we have to
depend on, and the chiefs can tell us who are the best fitted for the
various tasks."
"Your view is the correct one," answered the Professor, "and Muro, you,
Uraso and Ralsea, inform all of them what is required. I shall expect
you, Blakely, to take charge of the mustering of the forces."
The suggestion was understood and agreed to by all, and the various
tribes were arranged in columns.
The Professor addressed them as follows: "In our country, we have a

plan for everything we do, and everything is done in order. We try to
follow the plan in which the Great Spirit orders everything done. We
want every man to do something and be responsible for one part of the
work."
"While the people are gone to the White Chief's village, others might
go to the Berees' village and bring the Great Chief Suros, as he is wise,
and we should like to have him here," added Uraso.
"Your suggestion," said the Professor, "is a wise one, and it will show
how earnest you are in making this bond a lasting one among you. I
thank you for calling attention to the matter, and it shall be acted on at
once."
The muster roll, as prepared by Blakely, showed the following results:
The Berees: Sub-chief Ralsea and eighty-five warriors.
The Osagas: Chief Uraso, two sub-chiefs and one hundred and ten
warriors.
The Saboros: Chief Muro, three sub-chiefs and one hundred and fifteen
warriors.
The Brabos: Chief Oma, two sub-chiefs and one hundred and five
warriors.
The whites were enumerated as follows: The Professor. John L. Varney.
Samuel Blakely.
{ George Mayfield, { Harry Crandall, The boys: { Thomas Chambers,
{ Ralph Wharton, { James Redfield, { William Rudel.
The combined force thus numbered four hundred and twenty-four, not
counting Angel. It should be said that Angel was an orang-outan,
captured while a baby, and he had been educated by George to do many
wonderful things. It is well known that these animals are great imitators,
but this one really learned many useful things. One of them was to

climb the tallest trees and warn George of the approach of enemies, and
this was such a wonderful thing, that Muro explained it to his people
and they really admired the animal, and who was, in consequence, a
great pet.
When the council met the Professor said: "I will detail one hundred and
fifty men to accompany John to our village to bring the things from that
place, and those remaining will go to the Brabos' village to watch our
enemies and to protect the home of our friends. Ralsea should take the
litter and twenty men and go after the Great Chief Suros, and bring him
here, so that we may consult with him."
"We have thirty guns," said John, "and at least half should be left with