“Simply as a matter of health and comfort. Many tribes and peoples, civilized, as well as those lower in the scale, acquired the habit, using oils of various kinds, which prevented insects from attacking them. There are many plants which contain oils obnoxious, and some which are deadly, to animal pests, hence they were by this means freed from vermin; and in tropical countries all kinds abound.
“Later on the habit of anointing with oil took on a wider meaning. In a religious sense anyone consecrated with oil was set apart for a divine mission, and the more costly the oil the greater the degree of virtue imparted. Oil for the sanctuary was mixed with myrrh, cinnamon, calamus and cassia, as stated in Exodus, and, singularly, all these are obnoxious to insects.”
It will be remembered that among other things which were found in their investigations was the clove tree, and from this an extract had been made. The Professor looked at the savage approvingly, and immediately went to the laboratory, bringing a small bottle of the extract, and adding a quantity to the oil.
The savage was surprised and delighted at the perfume, and it was a proof, beyond question, that he understood its use in the sense that John had explained.
During the entire night a careful watch was again kept up, and all began to feel that their hurried retreat was an unnecessary precaution, but before the sun was up an hour, Harry, who was the early lookout, announced that they were in sight, and all hurriedly took positions, where they were concealed, and anxiously awaited their coming.
“Can you make out which tribe is after us?” asked the Professor.
“They are still too far off for me; possibly Ralph can distinguish them.”
“No; but they look more like the Saboros.”
“I am glad if that is the case.”
To the savages everything was quiet at the home and surroundings, and they came forward with rapid strides. “How many are there?” continued the Professor.