"The first one is the chief, and the other one he called to follow is the next in rank. As there are two of us, so must there be two on his side."
John and Muro advanced without halting, and as they neared each other the chief, in the most haughty manner, addressed Muro as follows:
"Why do you come to make war on my people?"
Muro, taking his cue from John's previous attitude, rose to his full height and replied: "You have always been the aggressor against the other people, and you have within the last moon killed and taken two Brabos in captivity, and we demand their return."
"That I will not do."
"Then the White Chief will speak to you."
John advanced and began the conversation.[p. 103] "The white people do not desire war. You captured two of my people and I took them from you with only four men. All the tribes but you and the Illyas have united to compel you to submit, and you shall not again be free to murder and injure other people.
"If you want war, we are prepared to fight you. Your village is surrounded, and we have the fire guns which will compel you to yield. If you will surrender, we will see to it that you and your people shall not be harmed, but if you resist you will be killed. You cannot escape."
The chief was stunned, and could not answer. John saw the impression the address had made, and proceeded: "What did the Krishnos tell you? Did they not tell you to surrender? Did they not tell you that they lied when they said the Great Spirit wanted you to kill us?"
The chief was silent. Was he debating the matter in his mind? John continued: "When this speaks," he said, pointing to his gun, "all of the fire guns about your village will speak."