"We can reach there in two days, unless we should be met by the Illyas on the way. I do not think they will retreat without making a show of fight, as they will have all their warriors in the field, when they know we are marching against them."
At the rate they were going, the main force of the enemy would be reached during the day, unless they should retreat. The opinion of both Uraso and Muro was that they would not permit too close approach to the village before offering fight.
The entire route from Unity, and through the Saboro country, was one continual stretch of immense undulating plains, covered at intervals with magnificent forests, and it was evident that the soil was rich and capable of yielding any products in profusion.
The weather, too, was magnificent. Indeed, it was at a time of the year when there were few[p. 144] storms, the moisture being sufficient to support the growing vegetation and keeping it a beautiful green. What a paradise this part of the island would be made, if it could be maintained in peace!
The march was a continued and steady one, the warriors appearing happy and acted as though they were going to a festival, instead of to war. Early in the afternoon the advance scouts reported the first sight of the savages, but only detached bands, which indicated, however, that they were not far away.
Several hours before they had entered the Illyas' country. There was no strict dividing line between the different countries, but it appeared to be tacitly agreed that certain water courses, or other natural lines, marked the territorial limits of each.
These divisions were so little understood, in fact, by either, that they caused frequent disputes. A party from one tribe in hunting would, incautiously, venture too far, and if the other party happened to be near, and in sufficient force, would attack on the plea that the territory had been invaded.
This was a matter which the present campaign would settle, because the Professor saw the necessity of accurately prescribing the limits held by each tribe.
It was five o'clock in the evening before reports came in that the main body of the enemy was in sight. John went forward with Uraso and Muro, fully a mile beyond the main force, and[p. 145] on the way selected a good camping spot, leaving several there to order the main body to encamp when they arrived.
With the scouts now returning, and which were picked up, a fairly adequate idea was obtained as to the number, which was variously estimated at two hundred and fifty, which did not take into consideration the warriors from the other villages, because they now had knowledge of at least one party from the south, on the way to reinforce the Illyas.