The boys would have enjoyed this outing with him, but the necessity of utilizing their services in the erection of the workshop and installing the machinery, was too urgent to permit it. The boys made it a condition, however, that Sutoto should be with them in the active work, as soon, as he returned.
The Brabos regretted the leave-taking, but were delighted to learn from the Professor that he expected them to contribute a number of their men to accompany the expedition.
They passed through the Kurabus' village the next day, and the Professor called the Chief to him. "We want some of your men to accompany us, because we want to teach them the same as the other tribes."
This announcement was a most gratifying one, and he answered: "The White Chief has made us give him our hearts. My brother and my son will go with you."
Could anything have been more expressive of the intention of the Kurabus Chief? The lad was about the same age as the boys, and they led him out to the wagon, and showed him the wonderful things, and then began the efforts to find words to express their meaning, and enable them to understand each other.
It was an amusing thing to see the struggles of Blakely, who was whipping the warriors into a fighting force. Whenever Blakely was around the warriors would give him the military salute, as though they had been trained up to it all their lives.
"I have often wondered where the military salute of raising the hand up to the eyebrows comes from," said Ralph.
"Its origin dates from the commencement of the English army. During the tournaments of the Middle Ages, after the 'Queen of Beauty' was enthroned, the knights, who were to take part[p. 65] in the sports of the day, marched past the dais upon which she sat, and, as they passed, shielded their eyes from the rays of her beauty. Thus the habit continued, only in a modified form, to this day."