CAPTURE OF THE VILLAGE
The most trying time for all adventurers and explorers, is after night
has set in. During the daytime there is always plenty to take up one's
attention and energies, but as the sun goes down the world seems to
contract into a very small space, and when enemies are near the burden
of waiting is a doubly trying one.
The boys had spent many such nights. Whenever John or the Professor were
about these hours were always enjoyed, because like all healthy boys,
they were ever on the alert to ask questions which happened to be
suggested by the experiences of the day.
Now, it is a singular thing, that there is no selfishness in education.
True education is charitable. Those who crave it with the most
eagerness, are always the foremost in wishing to impart it to others.
The honest learner does not resent the listening ear of his fellow
pupils.
Uraso and Muro, the two chiefs, who were the first to conceive the
advantages of education at the hands of John and the Professor, were
always on the alert at the evening meetings, whenever their duties
permitted it, and hundreds of the natives of Wonder Island craved the
privilege of hearing the conversations which took place on all sorts of
topics.
In Unity, the capital of Wonder Island, schools had been established
and were flourishing, and all the children were pupils, so that within
another generation there would be a tremendous change for the better
among those people.
There was nothing more enjoyable to the boys than to see the intense
interest manifested by the common natives, when night came on, and they
expected one of the treats which they knew would be in store for them.
On these occasions George and Harry were usually the questioners, but
many times they saw that some of the men seemed to desire additional
information, and by degrees the boys encouraged them to put the
questions, and to seek inquiries.
This had a very stimulating effect. John was delighted at the spirit
thus developed, and he gave it a still broader range by refusing
sometimes to answer the questions, and thus inviting answers from the
men themselves.
Thus discussion developed. It taught them to begin to think for
themselves. If men know that the ready answer is always at hand, it
prevents the mind from expanding. The evenings, therefore, were seasons
of enjoyment, alike to the men as well as to the boys.
After they had reached the cove in the rocks, and all the dispositions
had been made for the night, John warned the men that while the natives
were no doubt, in consternation, the utmost care must be observed to
prevent any surprises.
The moon had not yet arisen, but there was a beautiful clear sky. The
great Southern Cross hung in the heavens like a giant lantern. On one
side, and on line with each other, shone the two brightest stars in the
heavens, the first being the Dog Star Sirius, and the next in order,
Canopus, the one white, and the other a yellowish white.
Then, on the other side of the Great Cross, sparkled Antares, the
brilliant red star, of the first magnitude, while Spica, another star
made up a most remarkable combination of heavenly orbs.
George had always been impressed with the appearance and the arrangement
of the stars, and he was struck by the intense interest which all
savages manifested in astronomy.
"Your observations are correct," said John, when the discussion began.
"Almost all of the savage rites, their feasts and religious ceremonials,
have something to do with the appearances and the movements of the
heavenly bodies."
"I suppose the grouping of the stars, when they named these groups of
the planets after animals, and the like, was done by the ancients, and
really meant something in a religious way," ventured Harry.
"It is difficult really to determine the origin of what is called the
Zodiac. From the evidence attainable it was known to the Babylonians,
over 2300 years before the Christian era. They divided the heavens into
twelve parts, each cluster of stars representing some fanciful animal or
being, such as the Lion, or the Bear, or the Dragon."
"Isn't it funny that the tribes here, as well as some on Wonder Island
have an idea that the dark moon is caused by the Great Spirit trying to
hide it in anger?" asked George.
"It is singular when it is considered that the same superstition is
found in many, many tribes, on different continents, and it induces the
belief that this idea had one common origin, and that the people all
sprang from one source, or, that the different peoples worked out the
ideas independently of each other."
This statement caused considerable discussion, the natives being of the
opinion that the idea was worked out by the different peoples and could
not have been spread broadcast by one set of people.
"Why do you think it could not have come from one race?" asked George,
as Uraso urged.
"Because," he answered, "how did the people in olden times cross the big
ocean? Even now, people like my own, dare not venture on the sea, for
any distance from shore."
"But," said John, "the surface of the earth was not originally like it
is now. In many places over the earth, new lands have appeared,--that
is, they come up out of the sea, and other lands have disappeared. We
have records of islands, and parts of continents, hundreds of times
larger than Wonder Island, which have disappeared in a single day. One
of those, near Japan, sank, and engulfed over 200,000 people."
"You surprise me," said Muro.
"Furthermore, there is pretty conclusive evidence that the continents of
Europe and America, were once joined, or that there was an immense
continent, called Atlantis between the eastern and western hemispheres."
"I read something on that subject some time ago, in which the writer
denied that such a thing was possible," said Harry.
[Illustration: _Fig. 2. The Atlantean Plateau._]
"I am aware of that, but there are some things which are difficult to
explain, unless the two hemispheres were once united, or, at any rate,
were close enough together to permit travel from one part to the other."
"What evidence is there on that point?"
"Well, in the first place, the root of the languages in Central America,
and in Mexico, are the same as in the corresponding latitude in Europe
and Africa. Then the Pyramids of Mexico are built on the same plan, and
located, astronomically, the same as those in Egypt."
"But could not the ancients have crossed the seas, and in that way given
the same knowledge to both sections?"
"There is absolutely no evidence that the ancients had vessels capable
of traversing 2000 miles of ocean."
"But the book I read said that the Western Hemisphere merely broke away
from the main body of the land, and that is why the people here knew all
that those in Europe had learned."
"That is very plausible, and for the purpose of giving you a fair
understanding of the matter, I make a sketch, showing (Fig. 2), the
Atlantean theory, in which the western shores of Europe and Africa, and
the eastern shores of North and South America are outlined, and between
them, in dotted lines, is Atlantis, the only part of that vast continent
now being visible being the Azore Islands, at the northern extremity."
"But what evidence is there that such a continent existed? Is it only a
theory?"
"It is supported by some evidence, much of which, like the account
which the Egyptian priests gave to Solon, would take too long to state;
but some years ago, while Darwin was engaged in making the deep sea
soundings in the ship _Challenger_, it was found that the bed of the
Atlantic showed a raised plateau, where the legendary Atlantis was
claimed to be."
"But might it not be possible that the other theory could be correct,
also,--that is, that North America merely broke away, and in breaking
away, left Atlantis as an island?"
"I do not see how it can be reconciled. In the first sketch (Fig. 2),
note the shape of the continent of Atlantis. Now, in the next sketch
(Fig. 3), I have brought the two continents close up to each other. The
outlines appear similar, and it would be difficult to make them fit
together, if Atlantis should be placed there, or left in that space,
after the breaking apart."
The discussion was closed for the night and arrangements made for sleep
and sentry duty.
Frequently during the night the beating of the singular drums was heard.
After the entertainment of the evening both Muro and Uraso undertook
some scouting on their own account. The boys were awake early, and then
learned of their expeditions.
Three miles north of the rocky point the main village was located. They
had crept forward cautiously until close enough to learn that there must
be fully five hundred inhabitants. But what was more surprising still,
was the evidence they obtained that the tribes believed in the Hoodoos
and the witch doctors.
[Illustration: _Fig. 3. The Severed Hemispheres._]
The boys were jubilant at the information, and John was full of smiles
as he imparted the information. The difficulty was to get into
communication with the natives, as their efforts of the preceding day
did not offer much encouragement in that direction.
The fact that the people on the island observed peculiar rites was
evidence to John that they must be steeped in the superstitions that are
a necessary part of the craft of the witch doctors, and to the boys, as
well as to Uraso and Muro, the opportunity for John to match his
intelligence with the crafty Krishnos, was awaited with interest.
It was shown on Wonder Island, that while the people had the most
implicit confidence in their medicine men, they were the first to cause
their overthrow when it was shown that they maintained their superiority
through deceit.
Before nine o'clock the drums began to beat. They were plainly heard, as
there was a slight breeze from that direction. John selected fifteen of
the warriors, and accompanied by the boys, and Muro and Uraso, started
for the village.
"You are to remain here until you get word from us. If you should hear
heavy firing it will be the signal for you to come on without delay. In
such a case approach cautiously, and rush them, so as to reach us. We do
not want to cause the loss of a single life among them, except as a last
resort to save our own. Otherwise you are not to leave the cove. One
must be sent to the height beyond, to keep a watch for the _Pioneer_.
"If the vessel is sighted send a runner to the shore, and try to get
into communication with it, so they may know where we are.
"As soon as Tarra returns, send him forward to us without delay. He
should be back before noon to-day." John was thus precise to deliver the
instructions, because he did not know what their reception was likely to
be at the village.
As stated, his prime object was to prevent the sacrifice of captives, if
such there should be, or to put off the rites which he knew would take
place that day and the next.
They marched down the hill, taking all precautions on the way, but they
met no opposition. Beyond them was a well wooded plain, and at intervals
they could see, in the distance, detached huts, and in many places
evidences of crude cultivation of the soil.
The huts were unoccupied, but it was evident from their appearance that
they had been used up to that very day.
"I cannot understand why no people are living here," remarked George.
"They have gone to the village to attend the sacred rites," responded
Uraso.
They were now less than a mile from the village, which could be seen in
the distance through the trees. Something unusual was taking place to
their left, and more than a mile away. Uraso agreed to go in that
direction, and gain the slight elevation, which might afford him an
opportunity to discover the cause of the excitement.
There was considerable shouting, and then the beating of the drums,
which they had not heard since the early morning. Uraso was gone not to
exceed a half hour.
"They are having something unusual in that quarter. A number of natives
have just come in, and a hundred, or more, from the village met the
visitors. I cannot account for the demonstration," observed one of the
boys.
"It is quite likely," suggested John, "that some other tribe has come in
to attend the ceremonies."
"I do not think so, because the visitors belong to the same people who
live in the village."
John was determined to go on, and they proceeded, reaching the outlying
portion of the village, just as the visitors, and those from the village
were entering it from the other angle.
"They have a prisoner there," said Muro. "I am sure that man in the
first group is being conducted to the village."
"Unquestionably, Muro is correct. It is plain that a party of the
villagers have captured the man, and the excitement we heard was caused
by that fact." And John began to speculate on the probability of the
island containing more than the one tribe.
"That man is a native, I am sure," was Uraso's observation.
"That looks like Tarra," said George, in excitement.
This announcement had an electrical effect on those present. If such
should prove to be the case, what likelihood was there that he had
delivered the message at the landing? Was he captured going, or coming.
"It looks to me as though he was captured this morning," observed Harry,
"because if he had been taken last night, on his way over, they would
not wait until to-day to bring him in."
This looked like a reasonable supposition; but they must first make sure
that it was Tarra.
"Forward march!" said John.
But before they had time to go far the whole town seemed to be alive.
From every part of the village men were running, and forming in the open
space next the first row of huts.
It was a most curious proceeding that the boys now witnessed. In the
center of the warriors was a large man, with a curious garb. On each
side of him were noticed men with dissimilar clothing, but bedecked with
every sort of device, the peculiarities of which could not be
distinguished, owing to the distance.
"That large man in the middle, is the Chief, and those about him are the
witch doctors. The Chief has brought the witch doctors so as to terrify
and destroy us," and John laughed as he remembered some of the wiles of
that class on Wonder Island.
To the beating of the drums, the Chief marched forward, his men
following, and closing in on his sides to afford him protection. John
motioned Uraso and Muro to step forward, and they advanced twenty feet
beyond the warriors, and awaited the Chief.
The latter stopped when within hailing distance, and John held up a
hand. Uraso then addressed the Chief, telling him that they came as
friends, and not as enemies, and desired to be present at the ceremonies
about to take place.
He also recited that they came from a neighboring island, where they
had a wonderful village, where all the people were happy, and they now
wanted to show, their friendship by offering presents.
The Chief was silent, and then said: "Why did you kill my people?"
"We only defended ourselves. Your warriors were the ones who attacked
us. We could have killed all of your warriors if we had been enemies."
"You speak lies," answered the Chief. "Why did you take my warrior?"
"Because he was wounded and we are making him well, and will then return
him to you so he can tell you that what we say is true."
"You are again speaking lies," he retorted. Notwithstanding the manner
in which Uraso had steeled himself, he was visibly affected by the blunt
manner in which the savage accused him, but he was judicious enough not
to appear disturbed.
"Ask him," said John, "what he wants us to do to prove that we are
friends, and not enemies."
The Chief, at this question, drew himself up proudly, and answered: "You
are on my dominion, and you have no right to ask any favor from me. You
must deliver yourself up as prisoners, and we shall then deal with you
as we see fit."
"In what way will you deal with us? Have we committed a wrong? Do you
intend to punish us?"
"You had no right to come here. Every one who does so without my
permission, must die."
"Then you expect us to surrender so you may kill us?"
"Yes."
"Then our Chief tells you that he has a right to come here, and that
you have no right to prevent it, and that if you try to kill us we will
have the Great Spirit visit you the same as he visited your warriors the
other day," said Uraso.
The Chief was astounded at the audacity of the visitors. He could not
understand the presumption of Uraso, and the defiant attitude of the
little group behind him.
"Then I command the Korinos to destroy you!" he shouted.
Muro turned to the boys, and smiled as he said: "Do you know what he
means? He calls them Korinos. On Wonder Island they are Krishnos. That
seems pretty close to the same thing."
Uraso held up a hand, as he said: "I have a Korino here (pointing to
John), and he will destroy your Korinos."
The witch doctors then ranged themselves in front of the Chief, and the
latter said: "They will sacrifice your friend who came to us to-day."
To the astonishment of all, Tarra was led forward, and ordered to kneel
down. Then a great burly man, clothed in the garb so common to the
sorceress among savage tribes, followed him with a huge knotted club.
"Tell him that if he raises the club I will order the Korino to die."
This was imparted, but it made no difference to the executioner. He
stepped forward, and slowly raised the club, but before it had reached
its highest point, a revolver in the hands of John spoke, and the savage
dropped the club, and slowly sank to the earth.
It would be impossible to describe the consternation that showed itself
at this catastrophe.
"Come here, Tarra," cried John.
Tarra leaped to his feet, and with a few bounds was at Uraso's side,
while Harry jumped forward and cut the thongs that bound his hands.
The Chief was bewildered, no less than those around him. No effort was
made to prevent Tarra from escaping. The other Korinos did not even go
forward to the relief of their slain comrade. He lay there motionless.
"I am sorry," said John. "I must have made a miscalculation, but I am
afraid he is dead."
Then one of the Korinos moved toward the fallen man. "Stop!" cried John.
"It will be death for any one to touch him now!"
Uraso hurriedly informed the Chief of this new piece of information,
which, in reality, caused more terror than the shot itself. What species
of sorcery was this that they dared not even touch the victim who
disobeyed the white Korino?