It was nearly four o'clock before they crossed a stream of water, flowing to the south, and beyond which a good glimpse of the village could be seen. John surveyed the scene and was astonished at the character of the spot, since it had evidently been chosen by design, and for some particular reason.
Its location at an altitude which commanded a view to the north and south, and also afforded a view to the west, betokened some reason not compatible with the savage idea of a town. All[p. 158] villages thus far found were close to streams, and were located apparently by chance, but here was a town which was more like a civilized place, since it was so located that it afforded the finest opportunity for drainage.
But another surprise was in store for John. "What are those peculiarly formed hills which run to the right and left?" he asked.
Muro had noticed them, but was unable to answer.
"I have heard," said Uraso, "that they have earth-houses to protect the town, but I do not know how they are made."
This information was sufficient to inform John that the town was actually provided with a chain of defensive works, and this greatly added to his astonishment.
"We are certainly getting at the heart of this mystery," he said, musingly, as Muro came up. The latter informed him that they had captured two Illyas who were making their way to the village from the south, and within ten minutes they were brought before him.
John questioned them, but they refused to impart any information. The direction from which they had come occasioned some uneasiness because the wagons were en route from that quarter, and they might be runners to the main village for the purpose of informing the chief of the fact, or, they might be from one of the villages announcing reinforcements.
As night approached, and no word was had from the force with the wagon, John directed Muro[p. 159] to take twenty-five of the best men, and go directly south in search of the convoy.
George and Harry accompanied the teams, and when they left the main column the forest was skirted in their trip southwardly. It was known that the forest was less dense in that direction, and after traveling thus for nearly four hours, the men delegated to beat the forest to the east, announced that they might safely turn to the east, which meant two hours more of struggling through a country which, without the warriors to aid them, would have been impossible.