“Also tell the runner to inform the Osagas that the Tuolos are on the way from the north to aid their enemies.”
“How did you learn that the Tuolos have joined with the others?”
“Uraso and myself found one of the Brabos who had been wounded by your friends, and he informed us of this.”
“Why are the Brabos at war with the Kurabus?”
“Because on their last raid against the Berees, and while their warriors were absent, they captured and destroyed one of their principal villages.”
The Professor was further informed that at no time had the Brabos and the Saboros been at war with each other, and he thus learned sufficient to know that the meeting with the Brabos could be easily arranged so as to leave no resentment on their part.
This feature of the case was one which gave the Professor a great deal of concern. He desired to weld together the tribes in bonds of unity, and it was highly important that they should come up with the Osagas first, because, as the latter were allies, they could more forcibly impress on the Brabos the desirability of cementing a lasting peace.
Another thing of importance, which he had learned from the Chief Suros of the Berees, was the unstable character of the Brabos, and the more or less vindictiveness which was one of their traits.
The Professor hoped that they might be able to reach the field of battle before the fight was decided, because, now that the wagon and its occupants were safe, as they had reason to believe, he was anxious to prevent the Osagas and Brabos from wreaking terrible vengeance on the two vanquished tribes. It would be a poor beginning for the work of pacification.
Camp had to be made again that day without reaching the Osagas. Runners were again sent out to try and find the most direct trail, and none of them returned before morning, and the two columns were under way as soon as it was light enough to see.