"Good, but it's awful hot," said Min, as he puckered up his mouth and drew in a breath of cool air.
"I made it hot so you wouldn't eat too fast," chuckled George.
Just then a great commotion was heard on the outside, and George, Harry and Robert rushed for the door. Beyond the village a scrimmage was taking place, and a few shots were fired.
John and Uraso were racing across the open place, and dozens of warriors were following. Muro was seen as he emerged from the combatants, and he was smiling as John came up.
"The reinforcements from the south village came too late. I suspected they would be here, and I had a number of the men in wait for them. They have captured all of them."
John nodded his head with approval at the[p. 209] course of Muro. The warriors brought in the prisoners, who were astounded at the unexpected welcome which awaited them. Forty-five were in the party. They were put under guard with the others.
The utmost care was observed during the night, as the Illyas were known to be very foxy, and half the force was detailed to keep guard.
Early in the morning John's first care was to make an investigation as to the character of the provisions on hand, and to arrange that foraging parties should be sent out to bring in vegetables.
He was surprised to learn that the Illyas cultivated many kinds of garden products, and fruit was growing in abundance. This was found to be a prudent thing to consider, when it will be remembered that the village now had to feed over three hundred of the allies, and that the penned-up Illyas were not in a position to go out and bring in the daily supply.
The boys were fed at intervals during the night, but before four they all felt so much restored that sleep overtook them, and John advised them to permit sleep, as that would be the best restorer, and they were not disturbed until they naturally awoke during the forenoon.