The Wonder Island Boys | Page 9

the little compartment below the wagon top.
"Do you think it is possible they could have gotten these arrows since
we saw them to-day?"
"They undoubtedly manufacture them with great facility, and the lack
of them this afternoon would be no indication that they would be
without them to-night."
John's intimation was right. They were seen beyond question, and
without waiting for the initial shot, as before, they bounded across the
open space, and the command was given to fire. The result of the shots
was plainly seen. The rush ceased, and before the Professor could give
the command for the second shot they reached the brush, and the
ammunition was saved.
When morning broke, three forms were recognized lying in the clearing,
but there was no sign of the savages beyond. John, without waiting for
the word, moved toward them, and taking their weapons and searching
their scanty clothing, took something from each, and brought them to
the wagon.
The trophies brought by John were two pocket knives of English or
American manufacture, and other small trinkets, such as any traveler
might carry.
"This is interesting," said the Professor, as he looked over the articles.
"How is it possible they got these articles unless from white people?"
When Harry and John went to the river for water, the first thing that
caught Harry's eye was an arrow, which he carried back with him to the

wagon and handed to the Professor.
"I think," said he, "there is another body lying over at the edge of the
clearing, the one that John shot at the first attack."
The boys went over, after keeping a careful lookout as they advanced.
They secured his cap and the bow and arrow. When they returned the
Professor looked up, and announced that he had no doubt they had been
attacked by both of the parties.
"Why do you think so?" asked George.
"For several reasons: First, the headdress of the two bands differs, as
you can see by comparing the one you have just brought in, as well as
the peculiar differences shown in the arrows. This is one you found
near the river this morning, and was no doubt dropped by one of them
at the time they attacked us, and it is exactly similar to the one you
have just brought in. You will also notice that the three that were shot
in the last attack have the arrows and headdress different from the
others."
It thus appeared that by force of circumstances they had been thrown
into the paths of these two warring factions, and had become the enemy
of both.
But now something must be done to carry out the determination to
rescue their fellows. How to reach the savages was the problem. They
had shown hostility from the first. It was evident they were far from the
usual habitations of the tribes. They must have their villages farther to
the south and probably west of the present location.
The only course was to go forward, in the hope that friendly relations
might still be established, notwithstanding the unfortunate
circumstances of the night.
During the entire day there was not a sign of either of the parties. The
Professor gave his views by stating that if they went forward at once
the chances of getting into favorable communication would be

improved, and if they could capture one of them it would go far toward
putting them on the right track.
They remained another night at the river, and early in the morning the
stream was crossed and the course of the wagon directed to the south.
In less than half an hour they came upon the scene of the fight between
the two tribes which took place the day before.
Here it was made plain that the two tribes had different weapons and
dissimilar articles of clothing, and numerous odds and ends were
gathered in the hope that some clue might be discovered as to the white
people who were, no doubt, on the island.
Nothing of value in this direction was picked up, although there was
confirmative evidence that the savages had in their possession trinkets
which were taken from captives, and which made the necessity of their
journey still more opportune.
Directly to the front of them was a forest, and to the right an incline,
rather free from wood, and the course was changed in order to gain the
elevation. This was reached about four in the afternoon, and in another
hour they were at the crest of the hill. This gave them an unobstructed
view to the south and west, and there, in the distance, was made out
what appeared to be huts, or evidences of human habitations.
The first care was to select a camping spot, which