"That is a good idea," observed Blakely, "but before doing that I think we ought to muster our forces, so that we may know what we have to[p. 19] depend on, and the chiefs can tell us who are the best fitted for the various tasks."
"Your view is the correct one," answered the Professor, "and Muro, you, Uraso and Ralsea, inform all of them what is required. I shall expect you, Blakely, to take charge of the mustering of the forces."
The suggestion was understood and agreed to by all, and the various tribes were arranged in columns.
The Professor addressed them as follows: "In our country, we have a plan for everything we do, and everything is done in order. We try to follow the plan in which the Great Spirit orders everything done. We want every man to do something and be responsible for one part of the work."
"While the people are gone to the White Chief's village, others might go to the Berees' village and bring the Great Chief Suros, as he is wise, and we should like to have him here," added Uraso.
"Your suggestion," said the Professor, "is a wise one, and it will show how earnest you are in making this bond a lasting one among you. I thank you for calling attention to the matter, and it shall be acted on at once."
The muster roll, as prepared by Blakely, showedthe following results: The Berees: Sub-chief Ralsea and eighty-five warriors. The Osagas: Chief Uraso, two sub-chiefs and one hundred and ten warriors. The Saboros: Chief Muro, three sub-chiefs and[p. 20]one hundred and fifteen warriors. The Brabos: Chief Oma, two sub-chiefs and one hundred and five warriors. The whites were enumerated as follows: The Professor. | |
| { George Mayfield, | |
| { Harry Crandall, | |
| { Thomas Chambers, | |
| The boys: | { Ralph Wharton, |
| { James Redfield, | |
| { William Rudel. | |
The combined force thus numbered four hundred and twenty-four, not counting Angel. It should be said that Angel was an orang-outan, captured while a baby, and he had been educated by George to do many wonderful things. It is well known that these animals are great imitators, but this one really learned many useful things. One of them was to climb the tallest trees and warn George of the approach of enemies, and this was such a wonderful thing, that Muro explained it to his people and they really admired the animal, and who was, in consequence, a great pet.
When the council met the Professor said: "I will detail one hundred and fifty men to accompany John to our village to bring the things from that place, and those remaining will go to the Brabos' village to watch our enemies and to protect the home of our friends. Ralsea should take the litter and twenty men and go after the Great[p. 21] Chief Suros, and bring him here, so that we may consult with him."
"We have thirty guns," said John, "and at least half should be left with you while we are away."