The Wonder Island Boys: Treasures of the Island | Page 9

commanded. "No one must fire until I give the
command. Oto, go to Muro at once, and tell him to come back
immediately."
In the distance to the west could be seen little squads of natives coming
directly toward them. In the different groups were fully fifteen men, all
armed with spears and bows and arrows.
"Uraso is driving them this way; I am sure of that," remarked John, as
he watched their maneuvers.
"What makes you think so?" asked George.
"They are simply retreating, thinking, in all probability that they have
met our entire band. They do not know we are here."
"Brave Uraso! I hope he will not get into danger," said George. "There
they are now; see them on the ridge to--"
A shot from the direction of Muro now awoke them to action. The
moment that sound reached the oncoming savages, they halted, and
huddled together, evidently in confusion at the meaning of the new
alarm.
"Ah! they are puzzled!" Then, after a pause, he continued: "I hope
Muro is not in trouble! I do not understand why his messenger has not
returned."
Within ten minutes of the report of the gun which has just been referred
to, the messenger sent by John, came in and stated that it was
impossible for him to reach Muro, as the hill directly to the east was
alive with warriors.
It was now Muro's turn to get the sympathy of the boys, and both of
them turned to John, who still seemed unperturbed.
"We will march directly to the east," he announced. "Every man must

hold his gun ready for instant firing. Move forward quietly, as you have
been doing. We must go to the assistance of Muro. Uraso will take care
of the rear."
They glided along the crest, directly behind John, and as they passed
over the hill, it was evident that the natives were out in force.
"I wonder whether they have captured Muro?" asked Harry.
"No; he is all right. You may depend on it that he will not be taken
without a warning shot is given."
"But we heard a shot."
"True; but that was the messenger."
From the manner in which the natives in their front were scurrying to
and fro, it was apparent to John's practiced mind, they had no idea of
the approach of John and his party. It was plain that they knew of Muro,
or, at least of some one beyond the second hill, where John inferred
Muro must have gone, because all their energies appeared to be
directed toward that point.
"I am afraid they are after Muro, but I am sure if he finds himself in
danger he will fire a shot to warn us. In such a situation we must attract
their attention. I will detail the first squad to accompany me. All those
remaining will conceal themselves, and under no circumstances show
yourselves, or let your presence be known, unless you are attacked. We
will go to the point beyond the two large trees, and make the
demonstration there, thus drawing them away from Muro."
John with the six men designated hurried over the intervening ground,
just as two shots, undoubtedly from Muro, broke the quiet, and placed
the watchers on the alert. In less than ten minutes the boys heard a
volley to the right, and almost instantly the opposite slope was alive
with natives running to and fro in all directions, and the most peculiar
cries were heard, while in the distance there was a singular rhythmic
sound as though drums were being beaten, in regular time.

It sounded very weird and fascinating. The drums, if such they were,
had different keys, and their companions did not appear to be able to
give any information about them.
While thus waiting for John to appear, the watchers were surprised to
see the force which was between Uraso and themselves, rushing
alongside the hill, and directly toward their place of concealment. Here
was a problem, not contemplated by John, and the boys consulted the
men with them.
Harry said: "I will do what has always been our custom, that is first
show ourselves, and indicate that we do not wish to be enemies, and try
to gain their confidence."
"I think some of the men should try to talk to them. It is possible that
they may be acquainted with their language. You remember the one we
captured could understand what Muro said," suggested George.
It should be stated that after they landed on the island, four days
previously, they had made a short excursion into the interior, where
they were attacked by a tribe, of which one of the men was captured,
after being wounded, and then taken by the Professor on board the
Pioneer, and