Part 5 (1/2)

”It simply means,” answered the Professor, ”that the other tribe, or one of the other tribes on the island, sent for reinforcements, and are now taking a hand.”

The chief was consulted and asked by signs whether the attacking party from the north side was his own people, and he shook his head in the negative. This proved, beyond doubt, that at least three different people inhabited the island to the south and southeast.

”What puzzles me,” said the Professor, ”is the fact that our chief opposes our traveling to the north and to the south as well.”

”Do you think there are any tribes on this side of the river?”

”That is the only inference I can draw from his actions.”

A battle was in progress in the underbrush beyond the river. The attacking forces were numerically superior, and within an hour had driven their opponents far to the south, and the successful tribe could be plainly seen, as they searched the hills to find the bodies of victims, and to gather the trophies of their victory.

”We might as well go north on our way home, as directly to the east,”

was the final remark of the Professor.

The boys were actually startled at this sudden announcement. But when he pointed out that their ammunition was very low, owing to the fierce resistance which they had to make, the wisdom of the course appealed to them.

”I am glad to go,” was Harry's immediate response, ”because when we come back next time we'll have something that will give the whole lot a better argument than we offered them this time.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 5. Savage's Hut._]

The yaks started for the north, and the chief's eyes gave a warning look, which they did not heed at that time. They afterwards remembered how portentous that look was. All that day, over broken ground, and a rough, hilly country, the team laboriously made its way. The best that could be done over such a country was two and a half miles an hour.

Late in the afternoon the party were startled on coming in sight of numerous small huts, and a larger hut at one side of the cl.u.s.ter of smaller ones. The approach was so unexpected that in spite of their efforts, the team could not be turned around before their approach was heralded throughout the tribal village.

Here was the first view of the homes of the natives. The huts were very crude, and were devoid of windows, all of them built round with more or less pointed or conical tops.

”Those huts don't look like the ones we saw to the south on the day we had our first fight,” was George's opinion.

”You are correct in that, and if you notice, the people look differently, as well. What is that? I believe they have firearms.” The Professor's brow gathered, as he said this, because now, that the alarm had been given, the warriors were running to and fro, and among them were several who carried guns.

The wagon was hurriedly put into a posture of defense, and the cattle protected as best they could. They approached cautiously, and the Professor walked forward and held out his hand in token of friendliness.

They withdrew a short distance for consultation. This gave the party an opportunity to study the new people.

The first thing noticed was the entire difference in the clothing worn.

The other tribes had nothing but the breech clout, but these had other garments, and their skin was darker in color.

”I am afraid we shall have trouble in a fight with these people, because their guns are first-cla.s.s make,” said Harry.

”You need have no fear of their guns,” answered the Professor.

The boys looked at him wonderingly, as he continued: ”They may have had ammunition in the past, but it is evident that they have none now. See how the fellows who have the guns carry them. They use them like spears.”

They finally turned from their conference, and without a word or sign opened hostilities with a volley of arrows. The gage of battle had been thrown down. It was fortunate that the warriors were few in comparison with their last enemies. Not more than twenty were counted as they were waiting for the result of the consultation.

This challenge could not well be misunderstood, and the Professor gave the word to fire. Every shot took effect, and the result was a startling one for the savages. Without waiting for the second round they broke and fled, rus.h.i.+ng down past the large hut and through the village, gathering, as they went, the women and children which had previously grouped together to witness the fight. This was too much for the boys, who rushed down after them, followed by John and the Professor, until the large hut was reached.

CHAPTER V