He winced but slightly when the examination of the left side was made, otherwise there was no sign of comprehension on his part.
"This is a remarkable thing," said John, as they were returning to the old man's dwelling.
"Why, is it a peculiar case?"
"The ailment itself is not remarkable; but there is something which passes my comprehension."
"What is it!" asked the boys in, unison.
"These people are savages."
"Yes; answered the boys."
"And they are criminals," he said as he stopped and looked at the boys, with an earnestness that surprised them.
It did not take more words to make them understand what John meant. These people had taken this shipwrecked man, and tenderly cared for him during a period of more than two years. This was done without hope of reward. John learned later on that the natives of the town had made provision for the shipwrecked man and had compensated the people at whose home he was then living.
After the evening meal, John walked around the village, observing the people, and he found happiness everywhere. Everything seemed to be arranged according to a system. The old man was not a chief,[p. 183] but was looked upon as their advisor and guide; but he was a criminal, as were all the others in that town.