"Get out the scantlings for the house and shop, as the latter will be the first to receive our attention. We must have some place to put the things we have in the wagons."
It is remarkable how quickly a set of men, working under intelligent directions, can carry out a purpose. The logs began coming in shortly after noon, and in the morning the saw was at work, and it did not cease its operations for many a day.
The natives were so fascinated with it that they considered it a grief to leave it. But the Professor had other purposes in view. George and Tom were selected to make several looms, similar to the one brought from the Cataract. In this work, as in everything else, some particular ones were selected and instructed to do the work.
Ramie fiber was found in abundance, along the streams, and after a set of men had been instructed how to cut and gather it, they were kept at that work, while others were directed how to wet it down and rot the woody fiber and taught the manner in which the fiber was freed of the stalks.
CHAPTER VI
BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN
Within a week most disquieting rumors reached the new village as to the attitude of the Illyas and Tuolos. The former sent an insulting message that if the White Chief wanted the captives he should come for them.
The Tuolos had returned to their country, but John was determined that they must have a visit. Thus far no bands from the warring tribes had molested either the Saboros, who were nearest on one side, or the Brabos on the other side.