His long silence about the real design had been purposely concealed by him, as he felt that merely to delve into the hidden recesses of the islands would not be understood by them in its real sense, because as boys they could not appreciate that real knowledge always must be disassociated from the idea of material or commercial gain.
It was with a great deal of anxiety that the boys waited for the morning sun. They had but a comparatively small force to deal with the situation. True, they were equipped with fire-arms, and they[p. 23] knew that the Pioneer, their vessel, would return within a week, still, within that time the large number of natives might be able to surround them, and unless they could get some word to the ship, and by that means enable their friends to send reinforcements, they would be starved out.
As soon as the camp was astir there was a consultation. John had fully matured a plan in his mind, but it was always a pleasure, as it had been with the Professor, to present any complications to the boys, so that they could take a hand in the developments which might follow.
"Harry and I have been considering the matter," said George. "We think it would be well to leave this place, and go back to the landing and wait for the Pioneer. We will then be ready, with reinforcements to meet them with more than an even chance."
"But," remarked John; "are you willing to go back, and permit the devils here to destroy the captives they may have, or, to prevent them from sacrificing their own people?"
The boys had not thought of this. "I know the feast days, during which these events will take place, will occur within the next four days," added Muro.
"If that is so," said Harry, "I am willing to do my share in keeping them from it. What do you suggest?"
"We must try to get into communication with them, and if we fail then I am in favor of taking some stringent measures to divert them from their purpose," answered John.
"Then you may be assured we are with you to the end," said George.