The Wonder Island Boys | Page 6

did he venture to
indicate by any sign that he understood or comprehended any danger.
And Angel, too, took a hand in the sights. He was beside George, and
the latter pointed out the savages, but if he knew what George meant
his face and actions did not show it. How little we know of the
workings of the human mind, and how should we know more of what
passed in the mind of that animal as he listlessly viewed the scene
which so much interested the others? We shall see, later on, how Angel
profited by the lesson which they tried to teach him.
"They seem to be fighting; at any rate, I can see them going toward
each other, and others running wildly about."
"Our better plan would be," said the Professor, "to go up nearer. In that
way we may be able to take advantage of their quarrel."

This seemed to appeal to the boys, and they were down instantly. The
yaks had been unyoked, prior to this, but they were now hitched up in a
hurried manner, and the wagon moved forward.
A word now as to the equipment of the wagon. It had been made with
unusually high sides, and was of thick boards, so that they did not fear
the arrows which, undoubtedly, were the only form of missiles which
would be hurled against them. Within were ten guns, each with a barrel
twenty inches long, and a three-eighths of an inch bore. All were
muzzle-loaders, as they had no facilities for making breech-loaders, so
that it would be impossible to fire rapidly, after the first ten shots; but
they counted on being able to hold out against a pretty strong force of
savages, armed as they were.
The wagon went forward slowly, and was kept as much as possible
within the sheltering range of the underbrush. All were in the vehicle,
as its height gave them a better view, and in case of a surprise all would
be guarded and safe.
It was somewhat of a relief to note that directly ahead of them was a
small stream, one of the tributaries of the West, and before reaching the
open area near the river, the Professor directed the wagon toward a
clump of brush, behind which the yaks were tethered.
They were thus in a position where they had an ample water supply,
and the Professor remarked, that in campaigning two things were
essential, one was food and the other water, and of the two water was
of most value for a short period, at least. The yaks needed it, and as that
was their means of transportation, every consideration must be given
them.
"As we are now campaigning in earnest, we must have some system,
and a thorough understanding of what is to be done," said the Professor.
"A thorough watch must be kept at all times day and night. We must
not separate, but keep closely together, and in watching just as much
care must be taken of our rear and our flanks. We do not know from
which direction these people are likely to spring up. Remember, from
our experiences night before last, this is territory over which they

travel."
It should be stated that in the night referred to a band of the savages had
passed their camp, going in the direction in which the wagon had taken,
and they were of the impression that those discovered to the south of
the stream were the ones who had come so near finding them.
"There is also another matter that should be considered. While we do
not anticipate any disaster to our party, still we should at all times make
provision for any separation, should such a thing take place. I estimate
that we are now directly south of the mouth of West River, and that the
sea to the north is from fifteen to twenty miles away. Now, let it be
understood that in case we are defeated, or by any chance there should
be any separation, the place of retreat will be toward the location of the
wrecked boat, which is near the mouth of the river."
The great difficulty was to impart this to John. He was interested, in a
peculiar sort of way, in the proceedings, and the Professor undertook to
make the situation, as just explained, clear to him. For this purpose he
made a chart to show the tributary stream on which they were
encamped, flowing into the West River, and its course to the sea, and
by pointing out the spot to the west of the river mouth, where the
wrecked boat was landed, he hoped the course could be fully
understood. This explanation seemed to be comprehended by him, but
of this there could