That explained the work we had seen the natives doing in the forest. But I hastened to assure King Attero that such shields were useless, as when they came neat to our guns the bullets would go through them easily.
“Then,” said he, in a grieved tone, “many of my people will die, for they will make the attack to-morrow morning.”
“Can you not send swift messengers and stop them?” I asked anxiously.
“I will not do that,” he answered, “for it is not good to give one order to change another. But I will spend the night in beseeching the great Pearl God to protect my people from the pale-skins. Our god has never yet failed us.”
With that he left us and we saw no more of him until the following afternoon. When he entered our room then, the boy king was more cheerful of countenance and stepped more firmly and proudly than ever.
“The Pearl God told me not to fear, for all would be well with my people,” he announced.
I looked at him curiously. Could one so naturally intelligent really believe some mythical god had spoken to him? But it is not safe to question anyone’s religion. Ignoring the point I asked:
“Have you heard news of the battle?”
“Yes. Many of my warriors have been killed, and your ship has not yet been captured. But they are still fighting.”
I heard this report with pleasure, and Joe shouted: “Hooray!”