"Why wouldn't that be a good name?" asked Ephraim. "There has been considerable rescue work here, and it is going on all the time."
"That's the name for it!" exclaimed Harry, enthusiastically.
"Suppose we notify General John and Skipper Stut that the Geographical Society has just named the island 'Rescue'?"
This important function was attended to and a note made in the log that the island discovered in south latitude 41° 37' 10", and west longitude 138° 2' 56", by the steamship Pioneer, was formally named Rescue.
Long before the village was reached the great fog horn of the Pioneer commenced to give the signal. The villagers knew what it meant, and the old Chief[p. 178] himself was at the landing place to welcome the visitors.
The boats were manned by the sailors, and the boys, together with John, Ephraim, and Caramo, were in the first boat. When Ta Babeda gazed at Ephraim, he was astounded. John had not informed him of the name of his visitor, but he continued to gaze at him in amazement.
It was evident that the old Chief was impressed with his appearance, so unlike anything he had ever before known in the form of a human being. When they arrived at the Chief's house, John awaited the proper time before making the introductions, and finally said:
"It gives me pleasure to introduce to you, the greatest enemy you have. This is Rumisses, the Cannibal Chief of the Umbolos."
The Chief was startled beyond measure. True, he knew that John and his party had come into contact with his arch enemy, but this was certainly a thrilling way to bring them together.
Ephraim walked forward and seized the Chief by the hand, and then pressed his nose against him. This was, of course, symbolic of friendship.