He looked around in bewilderment, and the Professor seeing his embarrassment, continued: "In the ship we have a way to prevent the cream and the milk, as well, from spoiling. We will show you that."
Thus one article after the other called for some comment, and explanation. To the natives from[p. 201] Wonder Island this meal was an object lesson of only a few of the many things which they had learned from the white people.
But Sutoto and his bride could not be forgotten. When the meal was finished, the Professor arose, and said: "I have some news to impart to you. When the white people first came to Wonder Island, they found Uraso, and Muro, and they were the first to come to our aid against powerful tribes."
"One of their neighbors had at its head a wise Chief, Suros, known and respected by friend and foe alike, and he readily adopted the ideas of the white men, and offered his tribe to save us from destruction at the hands of those who were unfriendly."
"Sutoto was the nephew of the wise Chief Suros, and I have come to tell you that he is dead, and that we have been mourning for him."
Every one who glanced at Sutoto, saw that it greatly affected him. This address was translated to the Chief, by Uraso, as the Professor proceeded, the latter speaking it in such measured sentences, that it could be quickly grasped by the interpreter.
"We have all been sad, since his death, and we shall erect a suitable monument to his memory on our return."
The Chief looked at the Professor, and the latter instantly divined that he wanted some enlightenment.
"What does the white Chief mean by that?"
"It is the custom of the white man to put up some[p. 202]thing that all the people may look at, for years and years afterwards, so as to remind them that he has lived, and to tell the people what good he has done."