"Well, if they worship the snakes they must have some kind of religion," ventured Harry.
"Yes; and with them go the witch doctors who practice on the people and charge fees just the same as the physicians do in our country."
"Do they claim there is a Great Spirit, like some of the people here!"
"No; they have a God called Baigona, who lives in the mountains, and instead of being a good God, is a bad one; he has the power to speak without being heard, to strike without being seen, and he loves and hates, just like human beings. He gives the witch doctor the power to do anything, without being wrong, and without being liable to punishment."
"Well, that is a pretty convenient God to have," said Harry, as he mused at the idea.
The peculiar thing about the absence of sea food at the banquet could not be understood, particularly as the natives on Wonder Island were great fish eaters, and were also the bitter enemies of snakes.
"We must consult the Chief about that," said John.
At the first opportunity the subject was brought up, and it was discovered that the people were afraid to eat anything that came from the sea. And then another thing was learned. There were no rivers of any consequence on the island; only a few streams, that were dry most of the year.
"I can understand," said John, "that in such a case you do not have fresh water fish."