In the morning the Tuolos were selected, and the chief invited to enter the wagon. John went to the large hut, and released the Krishnos. They were unbound, and directed to follow the marching column, surprised at being free from the captive bonds. They could not understand such treatment, and this was heightened when John ordered the aged Krishno, who walked with difficulty, to take a place in the wagon.
The natives saw the warriors and their chief depart, not as prisoners, since all had their weapons, but conducted in state, if the appearance of the chief in the vehicle was an indication of the proceeding.
Two days thereafter the cavalcade approached the village, and the chief strained his eyes, as he peered at the multitude about him, and saw a village of a most remarkable character, where two moons before was a virgin tract of land.
The venerable appearance of the Professor attracted him. He was startled at the sight of Suros, and then, glancing about, he recognized Oma of the Brabos, Uraso of the Osagas, and lastly, Tastoa, chief of the Kurabus, lately his ally.
The Professor welcomed him with outstretched hand. "You are wondering at the sight of your late enemies, and of your friends. We have nothing but friends here. They can tell you that we welcome you as a friend, and will explain why we do so. We will show you what the people are doing for themselves, and how happily they live, and the White Chief brought you here so that you might see these things for yourself."
"We welcome you, Marmo, as one of our friends," said Suros. "I tried many moons ago to tell you that the Great Spirit did not want us to kill each other, but the wise men told you differently. We do not believe them any more, but listen to the White Chief."
"He has told us the most wonderful things, and taught us how the white men live, and how different tribes live together in peace."
After the welcoming functions and the explanations were concluded, he was taken to the different works, and everything explained to him. He saw the water wheel, and how it turned the sawmill and the grindstone and lathes, and the mill for making the flour.
The looms interested him the most of all. It is singular how the various tools and machinery affected the different ones, and this was particularly observed by the boys.