Suros, the chief of the Berees, was the most impressed by the scene, and could not express himself too forcibly at the wonderful effect which the principle would have on the tribes in their dealings with each other. He was really an intelligent native, far ahead of the others in his comprehension of the duties of one to the other.
The fact that he was regarded with reverence by all but the Kurabus, and was even respected by them, was a strong factor in determining the Professor to set in motion a form of government which it was hoped would forever terminate all bitterness of feeling between the tribes, and which will be detailed hereafter.
During the day on which the Tuolos submitted, the two chiefs, together with John, Blakely and Muro, were frequently in consultation.
"The Great White Chief, who rules all of us, wishes to see you, and you must bring fifty of your warriors with you to his village," said John. "He will show you how you can be made strong, and your people happy. He will tell you what our purpose is, and what the Great Spirit asks you to do. We will start in the morning."
The chief, to the surprise of all, did not demur at this. That night John called in Blakely, Muro, Ralph and Tom.
"I want you to go with me to the cave on the hill to the east. There are some things which belong[p. 110] to us. We shall take them, since they are of no use to the people here, and we may be able to put some of the things in such a condition that they will be of value to the people on the island."
The wagon was taken along, and the people wondered at the strange proceedings. Many of them followed, but Muro warned them to remain behind. It was evident to all, however, that they were going to the Krishno cave, and its purport was a mystery to them.
John's sense of direction did not deceive him. He soon found the entrance on the village side, and, lighting the candles, immediately entered the cavern. John led the way, as his experience in its hollows enabled him to point out the direction to be taken.
The interior, lighted up by the candles, was most weird and beautiful. The stalactite hangings were not massive, but showed the most delicate tracings, in the first chamber reached. This was the western wing of the great interior cross which John had previously described.