"About forty-five years. They are good people too."
"We heard you were cannibals," remarked John.
For a moment he scowled, and then his face brightened up. "Yes; I know my neighbors to the south have always believed that to be so, but they have heard such tales from their witch doctors, such as we used to have, but it is not true."
"You mean the Korinos?"
"Yes, those who left you two days ago, and have come to me for protection," and he smiled as he said this.
"I tried to get them, but they eluded us," added John, by way of information.
"You must pardon me, but it is still a little difficult for me to form sentences. It is so long since I have talked to any one in my native tongue. But I am impolite. Bring your people into the village, and let us entertain you. I do so want to hear about the great world and what it is now like."
The Chief turned to his people and told them that the White Chief was from his own tribe, and that he came from a far-away country, on a visit to him, and that they must treat the people as his own.
Nothing more was needed to make them welcome. George suggested to John that Stut on the Pioneer should be notified, but before they had time to carry out the order a number of the villagers came rushing through the village and sought out the Chief.