The Wonder Island Boys: The Tribesmen

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"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 be no
assurance.

Meanwhile they had not for a moment forgotten to keep in sight the
warring factions, for now that they were much closer the character of
the meeting could not be misunderstood.

"Look at them," cried George; "the other tribe seems to be victorious.
They are coming this way." Such seemed to be the case. The retreating
forces were coming directly toward the wagon, and the situation now
began to take on a very grave aspect.

"What shall we do, Professor, if they come on to us?"

"We are here on a peaceful mission, and should fight only in
self-defense," was his reply. This did not exactly suit the spirit of
the boys, but they deferred to the wisdom of their friend.

It was plain that the tribe first seen was defeated and was being driven
back to the river, and the Professor advised them to prepare for any
emergency. The camp was not more than one hundred and fifty feet from
the edge of the river, and they had a plain, open view before them.

Beyond the river was a bare shore, the shrubbery did not grow near the
water, so that there was an open space of fully three hundred feet or
more on the other shore, thus giving them ample time to note and act,
whatever the circumstances might be. The Professor hoped that the
pursued might deviate from their path and bring them to the river below
their camp, but in this he was disappointed, as the first of the savages
made his appearance from the brush directly across the river, soon
followed by a dozen or more, all in precipitous retreat.

They now had the first close view of the savages. They were almost
wholly naked, and had more the appearance of the North American Indians
than of the South Sea Islanders, which their fancy had pictured them to
be. Each carried a short spear and a bow, and the Professor called
attention to the apparent lack of arrows, as the bows were strung on
their backs, and they carried the spears as though they depended on them
for protection.

"I think they have been beaten because they are out of ammunition. It
will not take them long, however, to make up a supply, and it is
possible that is what they purpose doing."

The victorious party now came in view. Without waiting the defeated
party dashed through the stream not two hundred feet below the wagon,
and before they had fairly landed, espied the wagon. The surprise at
seeing it was almost paralyzing to them for the instant. They sheered
off down the stream, gesticulating wildly.

The pursuers crossed the stream higher up, and, therefore, nearer the
wagon. "Watch the party which has just crossed, so we can see what their
course will be."

"They are circling around behind us."

As they did so the victors emerged from the stream and made direct
toward the location of the Professor and his party. Here was a situation
not counted on. The wise savages had calculated on this chance to arrest
the pursuers, and they showed wisdom in the move.

"Now, boys, we must stop them, but do not shoot to kill at the first
shot. Before anything is done I will try to stop them by peaceful
methods."

The Professor, with a gun in his hand, suddenly stepped out from the
brush, and held up a hand. It may well be imagined that an apparition
was as startling to them as it had been to the others. They stopped for
a moment, and then with a whoop, fitted arrows to their bows, and
darted forward. The Professor stepped back, and calmly said: "Now, boys,
shoot low, and don't get excited."

At the word, and before the savages had gone twenty feet, the boys and
John leveled their pieces, and a volley rang out. Several were seen to
fall, but were only wounded, as they were at once taken in charge by
their companions. The moment the first round was fired, the Professor
ordered the relay guns to be grasped. But the savages, stunned by this
change of affairs, did not wait for the second shot, but rushed back to
the stream as fast as they could go, with the three wounded men.

But where were the other savages? Had they seen the result of the fight?
The Professor hoped that the result would be such as to win them over.
They lurked at a distance beyond the wagon, and as the Professor
advanced toward them and held up a hand, they continued to retreat. He
beckoned to them; but in spite of all efforts they refused to come
near.

CHAPTER II

TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS

To all intents and purposes they had two foes, one in front and the
other in the rear. They possessed a fine position, however, due to the
Professor's foresight. The river was close enough to get the needed
water for themselves and their yaks, and the thick clump of bushes, on
the river side of the wagon, afforded protection for the animals, while
the wagon itself served as an admirable fort.

They could not believe that the band which had been driven across, and
which was now at their rear, would attack them, and it seemed that the
present danger of a night attack might be expected from the pursuing
party. Indeed, the actions of that tribe, after the attack, led the
Professor to believe that they must expect a fight during the night.

The wagon was now brought up close alongside the clump, and with their
bolos a considerable space of the densest part of the brush was cut
away, so as to form a retreat for the yaks, and thus assure them from
harm by any attacks with arrows or spears. Before dark, Harry and John
went to the river several times to bring water for the cattle and for
their own uses, and with the extra boards which the Professor had
wisely brought along, the principal portion of the space below the
wagon body was closed up.

When all had been arranged for defense all felt satisfied they could
withstand a hundred savages armed with spears and arrows. One thing had
to be considered, and that was, whether or not those people poisoned
their arrows, as many races in southern islands do.

As a further precautionary measure, all protecting bushes within two
hundred feet of the wagon were cleared away, so as to afford an open
view in all directions.

Darkness set in, and the eternal stillness all about was oppressive. Two
watched while the other two slept. John appeared in his element. At the
least sign of disturbance in any quarter, his hand was up, and to
further attract attention his hand would be laid upon the arm of his
fellow watcher.

Thus passed away the first half of the night, and then for the first
time Angel began to grow restless. George, who was asleep at this time,
was awakened, as he interpreted Angel's actions with greater facility
than the others.

"I am sure from his actions that something is coming near us. See, he is
motioning toward the forest side and not toward the river." It did seem
as though his perturbations came whenever George pointed toward the
woods.

To the watchers, there was no sound to alarm them, for fully a half
hour, when John slowly moved his hand over to George, as he peered out
to the north, and as he laid his hand on his arm, arose and silently
moved out to the end of the wagon, and slipped to the ground. George
tried to restrain him, and immediately woke the Professor, to whom he
related the circumstance.

There was, indeed, a movement in their front, at the margin of the
clearing. Forms appeared here and there, but the utmost quiet was
observed. Suddenly the report of a gun rang out, and with a shriek, a
form was seen to bound upwardly and fall, just as a shower of arrows
fell against the wagon.

The shot came from John's gun, and he had fired from a position fully
fifty feet away from the wagon, and this is what disconcerted them. They
were expecting the defense to come from the wagon, and here was a shot,
away from it, and it undoubtedly appeared to them that there must be a
number of them defending it, to enable them to put watchers so far from
the wagon.

"That was a shrewd action on the part of John, although it was a
hazardous one, in case they had determined to rush us. But the die is
cast, and we must now fight it out."

John came back to the wagon, and took up the other gun mechanically. The
Professor patted him on the back, as he again stole out. This time he
boldly marched toward the fringe of the clearing, and the Professor
urged Harry to run after and detain him, but he did not heed.

He remained there a full hour before any sign was made by him, but at
the end of that time he came back, and by signs indicated that the
savages were back again.

"Which band do you think has attacked us?"

"It looks to me as though the fellows who were pursued are the ones;
what is that John has brought back?"

He held something in his hand. It was an arrow and a cap, the latter of
which had blood on it. This was determined when a light was struck in
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 was as much in the
open as possible, and the utmost care exercised to guard against
surprises.

But what had become of the savages in the rear? It was impossible to
obliterate the tracks of the wagon, so they might be easily followed.

"I believe the hostile attitude of the two warring parties is, after
all, a factor in our favor, because if both try to follow us they are
bound to again come into contact with each other, so we may be free from
that worry."

"Isn't it likely that one or the other may send messengers to the
village, if what we see beyond is any evidence, and thereby bring all of
them against us?" Harry ventured to ask.

"That is a probability I have been considering, and our only course is
to resist their attacks, and, as I have stated, endeavor to capture one
of them, so we can establish communications."

Camp was made for the night, but there was no disturbance, and there was
a visible relief in the minds of all as morning approached and no signs
of an enemy in either quarter.

The yaks were hitched up shortly after breakfast, and the long, sloping
descent began. Angel was ahead swinging from tree to tree, and before
they had proceeded a mile began chattering from the tree top, in his
peculiar way betokening alarm. George ran up, called him down, and
started forward. Angel followed, chattering more vigorously, and when
George turned in another direction he ceased, thus showing conclusively
the direction of the alarm, and it was well they profited by it, for now
within fifteen minutes the savages were plainly seen.

They came forward, fully fifty or more, working their way cautiously
along, and, no doubt, fully aware of the location of the wagon and its
occupants. The crucial time had come, and George rushed back to the
wagon, but before he had fully reached it a scouting party well in
advance of the main body came within hailing distance.

The Professor, as before, walked out from the wagon, and held up his
hand as a token of peace, but to this they made no response, but
continued their cautious forward movement, creeping from one vantage
point to the next, and the wagon was then turned so that its rear end
was toward the oncoming savages.

Harry was directed to drive the team toward a cluster of bush at the
right, and they were urged forward with all haste. The yak is a
fast-moving animal, and started forward on a run, soon gaining the
shelter selected. It should be stated that when the team, which had been
named Jack and Jill, was first broken in, the animals were taught to be
driven by means of lines, and this was now of great service to them.

With their bolos they cut out a space at one side of the undergrowth,
into which the yaks were driven and thus afforded protection, and the
guns were taken out and arranged in order to enable them to be readily
handled.

Before all preparations had been completed the main body came up, and
all breathlessly awaited the attack. They halted several hundred feet
away, and the Professor sought by means of signs to indicate his
peaceful intent, but this did not have the least effect, as arrangement
for an assault was manifested by the preparations which were now plainly
perceptible.

The Professor retreated to the wagon, and his cautioning words were: "Do
not fire excitedly or wildly, and be careful not to fire at too long
range. Furthermore, shoot the leaders, or those who appear to take the
lead. Another thing, fire and reload. Do not take the loaded guns which
are in reserve, because we may need them later on, at a more critical
time. These will be very serviceable if they attempt to rush us. In that
event we shall have six guns and two pistols to meet them with."

Contrary to expectations no immediate attempt was made to attack, and
the Professor again tried to attract them by signs. For a time no
further hostile movement was made, and it began to look as though his
efforts would win; but suddenly, with a concerted movement, the bows
were swung upward, and arrows began to fall dangerously near.

As no movement was made on the part of the Professor and his party, the
savages mistook its meaning, and a charge was made. "Now deliberately
pick your man and fire." No sooner had the order been given before all
fired, and four fell, two of them being, without doubt, the chiefs, as
the howling was beyond all description.

A second volley was not necessary. The two wounded men were surrounded
and carried off. The others lay where they fell, and after a short pause
another rush was made, this time much nearer to the wagon. It was
fortunate that the pause was long enough to enable them to reload. On
they came, and when within seventy-five feet, the Professor gave the
order for another volley. At this distance there was no excuse for a
miss. The leader was a powerful specimen, with a distinctive badge, and
the Professor announced that he intended to use him as a mark, and he
was the first to fall, together with three more.

Thus, at two shots, one-fifth of their fighting force was disabled. "Now
let us charge," said the Professor, and John divining the meaning was
the first to leap from the wagon. The main body of the savages broke for
cover, but several, more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away
the wounded chief. When one of them turned to discharge his arrow, John
raised his gun to his shoulder, as each of them had taken one of the
reserve guns, but before he could fire, the native turned and followed
his companions, leaving the chief to his fate.

[Illustration: "_The main body of the savages broke for cover, but
several, more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away the
chief_" [See p. 32]]

The rush with the newly loaded guns was accompanied by shouts on the
part of the boys, who were instructed to do so by the Professor. "Don't
go far beyond the chief," was his order; "we need him, and you must not
venture into an ambush."

The boys did not dare to go far beyond the wounded man, and the
Professor, with the aid of John, had now come up to him, and together
forced him to accompany him back to the wagon. He was wounded in both
legs, the shot having passed through the kneecap of one leg and through
the tendon of the other, thus completely putting him out of action.

When the boys returned from the charge they assisted in conveying him to
the wagon, and the Professor at once applied bandages to his limbs. This
was getting an opportunity, at close range, to view one of their
enemies.

The shot proved to be a glancing one, so that the bullet was still in
the tendon of the right leg. When the Professor applied the bandages the
savage was surprised at the proceeding. He evidently expected different
treatment, and glanced at his captors in amazement. During the first few
minutes of these interesting details, the boys had entirely forgotten
the savages, and the Professor called out a warning not to rest too
securely.

When the natives saw that the pursuit was not kept up they halted and
slowly and cautiously, returned. It was evident that they were
preparing for another fight. The wagon top was removed at one side, and
the chief hoisted up and seated in plain view of his fellows, while the
Professor directed the boys how to secure him in that position.

The entire band now appeared at the edge of the wood, not two hundred
feet away, evidently with the view to another attack. All the guns had
now been reloaded, and with the chief with them they had no fear of an
attack with arrows.

The Professor placed himself before the chief, and by motions endeavored
to inform the chief that if his men made any attack on them he would
forfeit his life. The chief understood, and in a peculiar guttural
tongue informed his men of the danger he was in.

Without further incident they disappeared, and now began the effort to
instil and extract information. He was entirely naked except a
distinctive headdress and a breech cloth, of very peculiar workmanship.
The color of his skin was not black, like the negro, but rather
copper-colored, like the Indian, thus confirming the impression which
was first obtained the night before.

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