SUTOTO AND CINDA'S MARRIAGE; AND THE SURPRISE
Mida had learned the situation. Their customs as to marriages closely
resembled that of the Saboros. In that tribe the Chief was the sole
authority. To marry without his consent meant exile for the disobedient
warrior, and for the bride as well.
Sutoto was a member of the Berees, and there the mother was the
matchmaker. She prescribed all the requirements. The first thing that
Mida did was to insist that the Chief should be informed of the desires
of the young people.
To the delight of the two women he consented to the match, and he was
then told that the people had come over from Wonder Island to take part
in the ceremony. But when he was told that they intended to marry that
night, by stealth, his brow was clouded.
His law was that no one should marry without his consent, and he could
not believe that Cinda could thus attempt to take the matter into her
own hand. It was hard to think that his own child should be the first to
break his law.
The women pleaded with him, and then Mida confided her plan to him. The
tribe's marriage ceremony was a very curious one. First, there must be a
gift of fruit, then of fowl, and next of game. This must be brought to
the door of the bride by the groom blindfolded.
He must remain blindfolded while she prepares them for the table. Not a
word must be spoken, or they must separate forever. A part of the
ceremony requires that the invited guests are to resort to every sort of
device to make them speak. The slightest sound by either is a sign that
they will quarrel, and means the end of the affair.
If they pass this test, the second comes when the bridegroom's eyes are
uncovered. They are then to converse with each other, and they must not
for a moment relax the talk. Neither has any knowledge of the time that
this test must continue. There must be no faltering, or hesitancy.
Mida conferred with John and the boys, as she told of these necessary
requirements, and the boys laughed as they listened.
"What is the object of all that?" inquired George.
John was chuckling at the idea, but it stirred up a reminiscence. "That
is a custom, in some of its features, that I learned about some tribes
in central Africa. I can see the object of that rite. The taking of the
gifts blindfolded signifies that he enters the marriage state blindly,
and that he must do so in silence, and without asking any questions."
"Of course, then, there is not any likelihood of them quarreling," said
Harry.
"That is what the Chief's wife said," replied Mida.
"But what does all the talking mean?"
[Illustration: "_The rites were progressing very satisfactorily_"
[See p. 196]]
"That is perfectly obvious. To show they can perfectly agree, even
though they do talk."
"But that is all before the real ceremony itself," said George. "How do
they get married? That is the main thing."
"Why," said Mida, "that is part of the marrying."
"But they haven't promised anything. Marrying is promising."
This occasioned another roar of merriment. "Yes; marriage is a contract
under our law, but not so with these people. The only question with them
is whether they are suited to each other."
"But suppose they should not want to marry each other, or one of them
should object," interposed Harry.
"Ah! don't you see there is where the prospective bride or groom, in
that case has a chance. If, in the first test he should speak, or in the
last trial she should fail to keep up the conversation, then it would be
all off."
Mida confided her plans to the Chief and his wife. They were assured
that Cinda would not think of overriding the well-known laws as to the
gifts, and the two tests, and so it was arranged that Sutoto should be
permitted to bring his offerings, which he would no doubt do, by
stealth, while the Chief and all the visitors were to partake of the
banquet on board of the vessel that evening.
Sutoto and Cinda knew of the arrangements for the banquet, and that
appeared to be a suitable occasion for them. When Sutoto appeared with
the gifts he and Cinda were to be arrested by the Chief's warriors and
brought aboard the vessel, charged with violating the law of the Chief
in not first obtaining his permission.
The boys remained ashore, and carefully watched the proceedings. How
Sutoto got the presents the boys did not know, but they had a suspicion
that Cinda had a hand in it. The boys laughed as they saw what a
ridiculously short distance he had to go in a blindfolded state.
Securely hidden in what was George's chamber, where he passed the first
night of his captivity, they saw Sutoto with the offerings. Cinda took
them, in silence, and disappeared, only to return instantly with the
smoking viands.
"I call that quick work," said Harry.
"Yes, that's swift cooking," suggested George.
They ate in silence. "I wonder where the bridesmaid is who intends to
make them talk?"
"Why don't you see her standing behind Cinda?"
"You mean the servant?"
"Of course."
This was almost too amusing for the boys. The rites were progressing
very satisfactorily. Then Cinda removed the bandage, and an ineffable
smile stole over Sutoto's features.
They commenced to talk. The maid said a few words, but the lovers paid
no attention. The ceremony was going along just as-a perfect one should,
when four stalwart warriors rushed in and seized Sutoto. Cinda knew who
they were, and she sprang at them, as two seized her also.
One of them addressed a word to Sutoto, and then spoke to Cinda, and
without further ceremony they were taken out through the open portal,
and hurried to the ship.
The boys followed at a respectful distance, and when the pair had
reached the deck the boys scrambled up, and hurriedly made their way to
the large room, or cabin, where the Chief and the visitors were
assembled, and which was brilliantly lighted for the occasion.
The criminals were brought before the Chief, who arose, and with a
severe countenance began to upbraid Sutoto for his crime. Cinda
meanwhile glanced around at the brilliant sight. She saw nothing to
excite fear. Both were free from the warriors and stood there side by
side, a handsome couple, as every one admitted.
Sutoto saw the boys. Just like boys are apt to be on such an occasion,
they could not repress their laughter, although it was a silent
exhibition of mirth. Then Sutoto knew, and so did Cinda, for she was not
too much abashed to look up at Sutoto, while she leaned over and rested
her head against him, and laid her hand on his arm.
Then the boys stopped laughing. There was nothing laughable about it
now. It seemed too beautiful to laugh at, and when the great Chief went
over, and rubbed his nose against Sutoto's every one knew that the
compact was sealed.
I wish it were possible to describe the delight shown in the eyes of the
bride and groom when they were led to the table containing the wedding
gifts that came to them from Wonder Island.
"Oh! I am so sorry!" said Harry.
"Sorry for what? Yes, yes, I know now. We have nothing to give Sutoto,
as our presents." And George said it with genuine grief.
Most of the articles exhibited were for the use of the bride, and
designed for the home, of the new couple; but there was a fine array of
the little trinkets which so delight the feminine heart.
The party sat down to the feast, with Sutoto and Cinda at one end of the
table, while Mida presided at the other, the Chief being at her right,
and his wife at her left.
For the first time in their lives they were to eat their food with
knives and forks. They were adepts with the sharpened stick, which
George had noted, and there was amusement at the many incidents that the
new order brought forth.
"I remember," said George, "that the Professor told us the Italians,
about the year 1700, were the first to use forks."
"Yes," replied John. "As late as the year 1800 the English did not use
the fork, but the knife, for conveying food to the mouth; but the
new-fangled idea, when once introduced, became universal, soon after
that time; and it was then the custom for travelers to carry their own
knives and forks when traveling."
The Professor said, addressing the Chief: "I am surprised that you use a
fork at the table. While we do so universally, it was not originally our
custom."
"I can remember," replied the Chief, "when it was not the habit to use
any implement, but all were required to take food from the same dish
with the hands. But at that time food was not served hot, but allowed to
cool. But we found that the eating of hot articles became a custom, and
then we had to use the pointed forks."
"I am curious to know what gives the roast such a beautiful flavor!"
asked the Chief's wife. "I am told that you do not use leaves for
flavoring."
"No," said Mida. "We now use spices, and the flavor is made more
distinct by adding salt."
"What kinds of spices are used?"
"For meats, principally pepper, of which I have no doubt you have plenty
on your island."
Of course, there was coffee, which grew in abundance in Wonder Island,
and numerous trees of which had been discovered by the boys of the
Chief's island. When this was brought out, and the natives first tasted
it, there was some doubt on their part as to its food value.
Added interest was given to it when the Chief was induced to try it with
a bountiful supply of cream and sugar. Then these articles attracted
their attention.
"Is this a fruit?" he asked as a lump of sugar was handed him.
"No, it is made from cane, or from some vegetables."
"Made from vegetables? How can it be made from them? There is part of
the flavor of fruit, but I cannot taste any vegetables in it."
Then the Professor explained that all fruit, as well as vegetables, had
the same taste, and that they took out only that part and left the
other.
"But what is this white liquid which you use in the new drink?"
"It is called 'cream,' and the cream is made from milk?"
"And what is milk made of?"
"It is taken from cows, a large animal, that people raise for that
purpose."
As there was nothing on the island that was as large as a cow, or that
resembled it in any manner, the Chief's curiosity was unbounded.
"I would like to see the animal from which this was obtained."
"But we have no animal with us."
"Then it never spoils?"
"Oh, yes, it will quickly grow sour and unpleasant if allowed to remain
in a warm place."
He looked around in bewilderment, and the Professor seeing his
embarrassment, continued: "In the ship we have a way to prevent the
cream and the milk, as well, from spoiling. We will show you that."
Thus one article after the other called for some comment, and
explanation. To the natives from Wonder Island this meal was an object
lesson of only a few of the many things which they had learned from the
white people.
But Sutoto and his bride could not be forgotten. When the meal was
finished, the Professor arose, and said: "I have some news to impart to
you. When the white people first came to Wonder Island, they found
Uraso, and Muro, and they were the first to come to our aid against
powerful tribes."
"One of their neighbors had at its head a wise Chief, Suros, known and
respected by friend and foe alike, and he readily adopted the ideas of
the white men, and offered his tribe to save us from destruction at the
hands of those who were unfriendly."
"Sutoto was the nephew of the wise Chief Suros, and I have come to tell
you that he is dead, and that we have been mourning for him."
Every one who glanced at Sutoto, saw that it greatly affected him. This
address was translated to the Chief, by Uraso, as the Professor
proceeded, the latter speaking it in such measured sentences, that it
could be quickly grasped by the interpreter.
"We have all been sad, since his death, and we shall erect a suitable
monument to his memory on our return."
The Chief looked at the Professor, and the latter instantly divined that
he wanted some enlightenment.
"What does the white Chief mean by that?"
"It is the custom of the white man to put up something that all the
people may look at, for years and years afterwards, so as to remind them
that he has lived, and to tell the people what good he has done."
"And why should the people do that?"
"So as to teach people the example, and try to make them be good as he
was."
"Do your people need to have such examples to make them do good?"
"That may not be necessary," replied the Professor, as he vainly tried
to hide the smile that was trying to manifest itself.
"But do you not find it necessary to set the people a good example?"
asked the Professor.
For a moment he looked around at the company in bewilderment, and he
slowly replied: "No, I do not think it would do any good. If the people
are bad, and they want to be bad, it will do them no good to tell them
that I have always tried to do right."
There was a respectful silence, at this avowal, and the Professor
continued: "There are many who think as you do, and we had one great
teacher, called Confucius, who said: 'Do good not for the hope of
reward, but because it is right.' Then we have also a precept which,
interpreted, means: that happiness is in the heart."
"I do not know what that means," he replied.
"It means that the desire and the wish must come from within, and not
from without." And the savage nodded an assent.
"But," continued the Professor, "I have some news to impart, that makes
us all happy again. It is something that pertains to Sutoto, and I know
you will all join in wishing him all happiness in the good fortune which
Wonder Island brings to him, while this island is vying with us to make
him happy."
What was this happy thing that the Professor portended? There was
intense eagerness in the eyes of all who had left Wonder Island when the
_Pioneer_ sailed away, three weeks before.
"I want to present to you Sutoto, the new Chief of the Berees." The
Professor could get no further. George and Harry were wild with
excitement, and they bounded over to him and actually hugged him. Poor
Cinda did not for the moment know what all this excitement meant.
She supposed that this was the white man's part of the ceremony, and
quietly submitted. But she was quickly informed, and as she glanced at
her father and mother, and the people came by and affectionately greeted
them, she was so happy that tears actually flowed.
Then John came forward with a large box, which he carefully opened, and
drew forth two packages, one of which he unwrapped, while Mida took the
strings from the other.
"We want to present you these tokens, the presents of George and Harry.
You are to wear these as an emblem of your authority." And George and
Mida placed the most beautiful crown shaped hats on the heads of the
couple.
"Is this part of the ceremony too?" asked Cinda, as she slyly glanced at
Sutoto.
It is impossible to say who were the most surprised people, the boys or
Sutoto, since these presents had been prepared without their knowledge,
and it atoned in a way for their neglect in not thinking of the gifts
before.
But there were also other agreeable surprises in store for them. The
wives of Uraso and Muro led Cinda to the table on which the presents
were exposed, and also exhibited the many beautiful garments which had
been prepared for her.
Her bewilderment was still greater when she was directed to turn, and
found herself standing in front of a tall oval mirror which the boys had
brought up, under the Professor's directions.
Her image in the mirror startled the bride beyond measure, and she
innocently asked Sutoto whether this was also a part of the wedding
ceremony.
According to the custom of the tribe, the couple had to go through the
ordeal of the tribal dance, and when the boys learned of this they
regretted that provision had not been made for the event. They were now
in for everything which belonged to this unique wedding. The entire
party broke up, and the boys regretted that the affair came to an end so
soon.
As they filed down the steps and marched along the dock to the shore
they noticed that the entire village was shining brightly with hundreds
of the native candles, and everywhere were the well-known lamps, which
the boys knew came from Wonder Island.
"What does all that mean?" asked Harry, as John came up.
"That means the dance, that is the final requirement of the wedding
ceremony."
"But where are the dancers? Are we to take part?"
"Oh, no; no one who has partaken of the feast is permitted to take
part."
"Well, that is certainly queer."
"Not more so than among many white people, where the dancers are those
who have been specially selected for the purpose, and are professionals.
In Biblical times the Jews had dancing as part of the religious
ceremony, and that which took place in the Temple was participated in
only by special ones set apart for that purpose."
No one was in sight, however, and the Chief led the entire company to a
large green space, not far from his dwelling, and after a circle had
been formed, they heard a peculiar humming sound, which seemed to be all
about them, and this increased in intensity, and when at its height, two
dozen or more of the native girls rushed in with a gliding, swaying
motion, and circled around with peculiar grace, continuously giving
forth the weird sounds that have been described.
It was intensely dramatic, and fascinated the boys. They had never seen
anything so remarkable in its character, and for once they were unable
to question its meaning, or ask for information concerning it.
For an hour this continued, until the boys thought the performers would
certainly drop dead with fatigue; then, one after the other disappeared,
and with each disappearance the sound of the humming grew less until but
one remained. In some way, unknown to the boys she made the last circle
around the green, bearing a wreath of leaves, and as she approached
Sutoto and Cinda, wheeled about, and threw it over them.
"That is the final act," said John. "See, they are both within the
wreath, and it signifies that they are bound together forever, even as
the wreath, which has no end."