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

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 you while we are away."
"It might also be well," remarked Blakely, "to have the different chiefs select the most competent men in the four tribes to whom instructions might be given in the use of the guns, and I will drill them and show how to handle them to the best advantage."
The four chiefs selected the men for the expedition from the respective tribes, and the four boys who had been together for so long, begged that they might be of the party also, and the Professor could not deny them this privilege.
Early in the morning the entire force started on the march for the Brabos' village, and before night arrived at the main one, where the Professor and his party had the first close sight of the village