The Wonder Island boys

by Roger T. Finlay

Chump told him about the wonders of the Cataract house, and of the remarkable things to be seen there. He looked at the fort and examined the wagon, and the things possessed a remarkable fascination for him. He was a second edition of George in the capacity to ask questions.

Muro explained that Sutoto was the fleetest runner in the country, and his finely shaped limbs and admirable poise of his head was admired by all. He eyed Blakely for some time, and the latter held out his hand. Sutoto grasped it, and as they held each other’s hand, said: “I think you ought to remember me. I was one of your guests for a little time.” And he laughed, as did Sutoto.

The scene in that wagon for the next few hours was like a reunion of long-lost friends. The boys admired Sutoto’s manly ways, and even Ralph, who often said he had no use for any of the devils, admitted that he would have to change his mind.

While all this drama was being enacted the Professor was hurrying to the north as fast as the warriors could travel. The Professor suggested that as they were now approaching the enemy’s country it would be wise to send out advance guards.

This was a novel proceeding to Ralsea, but he readily assented, and four of the most skillful were given instructions to keep well ahead and note every movement. It was most fortunate that this was done for reasons we shall now see.

Before noon the scouts discovered a lurking savage, and as he was trying to get away a number of others were sent out, so their movements radiated out like a fan, and in this manner the fugitive was hemmed in and finally captured.

He was brought in by the most wildly excited and gesticulating lot of savages the Professor had ever witnessed. This appeared to be a more than ordinary event with them, and he could not understand it.

Before they were near he heard the cries of “Osaga, Osaga,” and the Professor was startled in the belief that they had come up with the band they were pursuing.

The captive was brought before the Professor, and the moment he looked at him cried out, “Uraso.” For a moment he was too much affected to speak. Uraso went up to the Professor and embraced him, and then looked around at the Berees in astonishment.

Here was the Professor, carried by the Berees, not as a prisoner, but as an individual in state, with the warriors under his command. He could not understand the situation.