Uraso could get no further. The people were aroused. Their voices could be heard uttering threats against the witch doctors.
John saw that they were determined to wreak vengeance upon them, but he counseled them to be[p. 104] wise and obey their Chief, and that the Korinos would acknowledge their own error.
The wives and children of the three guards were present, as they were compelled to be, and, as may well be imagined, their grief was terrible to behold.
Uraso again spoke to the people, and said: "The White Chief intends to show that the Great Spirit does not wish sacrifices, and will give back the guards to their families."
When he ceased speaking John stooped forward, and waved his hands three times, the motion being formed by throwing his hands forward, palms downward, and then slowly raising them up, and with an upward and an outward swing, bringing them down again.
Then he advanced forward a few feet and held out his arms horizontally, with the palms uppermost, and speaking a few words, the arms were impressively raised. As he did so the three men slightly turned, and then almost simultaneously raised themselves to a sitting posture, and glanced about wildly.
The consternation on the part of the natives at this sight was beyond all description. They were awe stricken, and dumbfounded. Not the slightest sound could be heard, as the men arose to their feet.
The only ones who were joyously affected were the wives of the men who, at the words of Uraso, sprang forward and were about to ascend the rock, but at the command of John they leaped from the table, and the children gathered about them.
The Chief did not utter a word of protest. He remained there utterly speechless. When John[p. 105] asked him what was the next thing to be done to carry out the rites, he remained standing for some time without answering.
When he had gathered together his faculties he turned to the people and said: "The Great White Chief has shown his power, and proven to us that our Korinos have lied to us. They must be destroyed. Let the people return to the village, and proceed with the feast. We shall be guided by the White Chief."