The savage was mute. He cast an appealing glance at his chief, but the latter did not notice him.
Addressing Uraso, John said: "Take this man out and beat him. He must be punished for lying."
George called in several of the warriors, who were instructed to carry out the decree. In the meantime Uraso called John aside, and stated that the poor fellow had undoubtedly told the truth, but the chief had lied.
"I suspected that," answered John. "I do not want the man beaten, so that you may go and[p. 189] stop the execution of it, but do not let the chief know that the order was not carried out."
"Did you get a second message from me yesterday through one of your own warriors?"
"Yes."
"What did he tell you?"
"He said that you had declared war against me and my people and would kill all of us and take our women and children into captivity."
"Did he not tell you that we came to make terms of friendship, and that all we wanted was the captives which you wrongfully held?"
"No."