He had four children, the eldest a young man about thirty years of age, who had a family of three children; the next, a strong, active native, about twenty-five; a medium-sized young woman, almost white, of about twenty, and the youngest a lad of seventeen, who was quickly attracted to the boys.
These, together with their mother, undertook the task of distributing the gifts to the people. Articles of adornment were, of course, the most enticing to the natives, and John had anticipated this feeling in the selection of the gifts.
After the feast of the good things, John broached the subject next to his heart, and that was to explore[p. 150] the island, and particularly the caves. In referring to the matter he said:
"I recognize that whatever treasure we may find in them belongs to you, and you are entitled to them."
"But they are of no use to us," he responded. "I am not wise in the ways of the world, but I am sure that great wealth, in the way of gold and silver, would not make my people happy. I agree with you that employment, and trying to teach people to help and care for each other, is much more likely to make them happy, and besides, the treasures which you refer to could not be used by them to any advantage."
"You have spoken wisely," answered John, "nevertheless, we have no need of the riches which we may find. My search is for a different sort of wealth."
"I do not understand what could be of more advantage, or repay you better than gold and silver."
"It is believed that many of these places contain the records of people who have lived here thousands of years ago. All over the world hidden treasures of that kind have been found, some of them which go to show that men lived on the earth hundreds of thousands of years."
"You are much wiser than I am, and understand the reason for making such a search, but I do not see why that would be of any use to know those things."
"A great man once said, 'Know thyself,' and another remarked, that the 'proper study of mankind is man.' To ascertain the origin of humanity, how man lived and acted, what were his motives and desires, his beliefs and his aspirations, and to know[p. 151] how he has improved, are interesting questions to me."