The latter stopped when within hailing distance, and John held up a hand. Uraso then addressed the Chief, telling him that they came as friends, and not as enemies, and desired to be present at the ceremonies about to take place.
He also recited that they came from a neighboring[p. 50] island, where they had a wonderful village, where all the people were happy, and they now wanted to show, their friendship by offering presents.
The Chief was silent, and then said: "Why did you kill my people?"
"We only defended ourselves. Your warriors were the ones who attacked us. We could have killed all of your warriors if we had been enemies."
"You speak lies," answered the Chief. "Why did you take my warrior?"
"Because he was wounded and we are making him well, and will then return him to you so he can tell you that what we say is true."
"You are again speaking lies," he retorted. Notwithstanding the manner in which Uraso had steeled himself, he was visibly affected by the blunt manner in which the savage accused him, but he was judicious enough not to appear disturbed.
"Ask him," said John, "what he wants us to do to prove that we are friends, and not enemies."
The Chief, at this question, drew himself up proudly, and answered: "You are on my dominion, and you have no right to ask any favor from me. You must deliver yourself up as prisoners, and we shall then deal with you as we see fit."
"In what way will you deal with us? Have we committed a wrong? Do you intend to punish us?"