"Yes; I see what you mean. I am content. I will do this whether the others do or not."
"But I assure you," continued the Professor, "that the others will be compelled to do as you do."
"How can we compel them?"
"No one will want to buy their land, and they will not become valuable for that reason, like yours, because the people who come here will buy only where they know there is a law and where they know they will be protected."
Uraso grasped the wonderful import of this statement, and became its most enthusiastic advocate. He had many talks with Marmo and Muro, and he presented the matter in such a way that most suitably appealed to the savage mind.
The all-absorbing topic now was the proposed expedition to the Illyas. Marmo, the Tuolo chief, had sent a message to their chief, in which he set forth the advantages which would accrue to them to quietly submit, and also stated that he did so willingly, in the belief such a course would be of the greatest and most lasting benefit.
Marmo had received no response, and the outlook boded no good. Preparations were begun, and Marmo insisted that his warriors should form part of the force, and that he himself would accompany the expedition. As the boys, by the aid of their helpers, had been at work on the guns from the time the factory was set up, they had a hundred and twenty guns completed. This was ample for any requirement.
Two new wagons were also made, and several smaller ones, designed for single steers, the latter being used by the Professor and the chiefs in going to and fro.