Before the village was reached several warriors belonging to the Illyas appeared, but fell back when they saw what was approaching. Stut directed Sama to inform them that they had come at the command of Oroto.
This information did not satisfy them, but the wagon did not stop. As it moved up the incline, the warriors lined up, fully twenty of them, won[p. 194]dering what the strange visit meant. There was no act of hostility apparent, still they could not understand why there were no Illyas present except Sama.
"Take us direct to the captives," commanded Stut.
Sama knew where they were. A typical native hut, but much larger than the others, stood behind the main homes of the village. To that the wagon was directed.
The warriors on Stut's command lined up behind the wagon, and the boys, accompanied by Lolo, rushed for the door. It was but the work of a moment to wrench the bars away, and without waiting for any ceremony George and Harry were inside.
The scene that met their eyes was appalling. The five captives were in a pitiful state. Two of the three boys were lying on filthy hay, and one man, also badly emaciated, was on the other side, lying down.
The boy who was still on his feet rushed to Harry and threw his arms about him. "Is that you, Harry? Thank God! And George, too. Where did you come from?"
"Who is this?" came like a moan from one of the boys. George stooped down. "Harry, here is Robert—Robert Lamson; and who are you?" And he crawled on his knees over to the other, who feebly turned his eyes.
Lamson turned to Harry, who was now on his knees. "You know Min, don't you?" Min was[p. 195] the nickname of one of the boys, because of his diminutive size.
"Poor Min!" said Harry, as he put his arm around him. "We will get you out of this at once."