"Yes."
It was evident to both boys that they were going direct to the mountains, and the general character of the surroundings reminded them so much of the mountains on Wonder Island, that they felt assured John would be able to find the cave for which he was searching.
That night they encamped on a small stream which was, no doubt, formed by a spring, as its waters were deliciously cool, and refreshing.
During that night, shortly after twelve o'clock, the boys heard the most peculiar noises, like a doleful, continuous cry, echoed and reechoed from hill to[p. 238] mountain,—something indescribable, but they refrained from saying anything to John about it.
Some of the boys who were present and heard it were singularly affected, and it must be said that the boys themselves, notwithstanding the experiences they had passed through, were not altogether composed in their minds.
When Uraso and Muro appeared next morning, after a night of scouting, they were startled by the accounts which were furnished, as to the number and warlike character of the inhabitants, and a council was held to decide whether it would be advisable to proceed with their limited force.
If they knew, beyond question, that the island was occupied by another tribe, it might enable them to make peace with one of them, and thus pave the way for approaching these people.
It was unfortunate that the first contact with the natives brought them into open hostilities, much as they desired to avoid it, but it was too late now.
"From your investigations," said John, addressing the two chiefs, "can you give any idea of the number of natives in this tribe?"
"We were unable to get near the village, but during the night we touched three different parties, one over by the high ridge, one a mile to the front, and the other over in the open ground not far from the place we had the fight. If I can judge anything by that I should say they have a number of warriors," answered Uraso.