The Wonder Island Boys: Conquest of the Savages

by Roger T. Finlay

And the boys thought of the terrible tragedy in the cave they had just left. The silence on the way home was significant.

The next morning marked the greatest activity in and about the buildings. The wagons were first loaded with the things contained in the shop, the laboratory and the home. Numerous packages were made up in form for the warriors to handle conveniently. Nothing was permitted to remain, as it was felt that the things they had made were too valuable to leave behind. It was past noon before the last articles were secured in bundles.

"You should explain to them, Uraso," said John, "that we shall have to give them pretty heavy loads for the first part of the journey, as the different things can be distributed to the others when we reach them."

"It will not be necessary to do this," he answered; "they are only too glad to carry the heaviest loads." And he refused to apologize to the warriors. This is referred to for the purpose of showing the spirit in which all of them worked to bring the things to their own country.

After the loads were all provided for, and the different ones instructed as to the parts which should be taken by each, John said:

"There is one thing which must now take our attention, and that is the bringing in of the flag."

The boys had forgotten this. "You may tell the warriors," said John, addressing Uraso, "that we[p. 52] intend to go to the hill and bring in the flag, which must be taken with us."

As Uraso interpreted this to the people it had a remarkable significance to them. Uraso begged permission to take all of them on the expedition, and this was readily assented to.

The warriors all armed, as though going forth to battle, ascended the hill, with the boys in the lead. Arriving there John formed the column in a circle around the staff. Angel was present, and he shambled toward the pole and mounted it. He remembered the little wheel at the top, which had afforded them such an amusing incident when it was erected.

This time he came down without much solicitation on the part of George.