The Chief looked about him, and finally said: "I want to see the White Chief."
John had purposely refrained from going to the Chief's home, but Uraso accompanied him at John's[p. 63] request, because he was the more diplomatic, and wielded a stronger influence than Muro, owing to his remarkable personality.
John was glad of the opportunity, and the boys, as usual, were also present. The Chief's eyes followed the two boys, as they entered. He smiled at them, as John came up and greeted him.
Uraso told John what they had talked about, and that the Chief was interested in his story of Wonder Island.
"Our Great Chief will welcome you to Wonder Island," said John.
The Chief looked at John for a moment, and then his eyes wandered to Uraso, as he answered: "Is there still a greater Chief? Is there a man more powerful than this Chief?"
Uraso laughed, as did John. "Tell him," said John, "that our Chief is powerful, because he is wise."
He did not seem to understand this, and asked for more information. Uraso told him that the white man did not regard the strong man as the greatest, but that the wisest man was always the Chief.
Here was certainly a new philosophy. "But," he inquired, "then how can he rule his people, if he is not strong?"
"The people willingly submit to his will because they know what he says is best for them."