Their wagon equipment was found satisfactory in every respect, and John suggested that it might be well to postpone the trip for a little time, in order that he might perfect the means of communication with the captive Saboro, and he set about diligently to perfect the talk.
In some respects he was more intelligent than the chief who had escaped them five weeks before. He grasped the sign language more acutely, but he was not as adept at imparting the information to John. On the whole, however, this was not a disadvantage, but in less than a week he had learned some words which delighted him, and when he was able to move about, John took him to the workshop and showed the different things which were made, and was afterwards directed to the laboratory.
His face became a ghastly sight when he saw the skeletons, and glanced in fear at the Professor. Probably he inferred that he was reserved for that fate. It was a gruesome thing even for the savage that he was. It was a shock, coming as it did after the humane treatment he had received.
The Professor and John looked at each other and smiled at his trepidity, and the former, taking up the bones of one who had a bullet-perforated skull, showed it to him, and thus sought to explain the manner of the death.
For several days afterwards his eyes kept up their shifting glances, and he ever afterwards avoided the laboratory. As in the case of Chief, the workshop interested him, and he would sit for hours before the turning water wheel and marvel at it.
Unlike Chief, the firearms attracted him beyond measure. His eyes would be fixed on them whenever they were within reach of his vision, and the antics of Angel amused him, as he strutted about with the imitation weapon.
“It should be a part of his education to know that we are able to make these wonderful things, as it will impress him, and if he should take leave of us in the same unceremonious way that Chief did we will have the satisfaction of knowing that he will carry the wonderful stories to his people.” This was the Professor’s view of the matter, and all agreed and acted on the suggestion.
Harry turned out some trinket for him, and presented a small mirror. This amused him, and he treasured the little metal balls, and Harry made some of them in his presence. During all this exhibition, the boys, as well as John, talked to him and explained the different objects in words.
But there was grim determination now in the minds of all to make a trip which would land them in the heart of the savage country. The various wanderings had fitted them for the task. They knew their own power, and appreciated the weaknesses of their enemies.
It is true they had not, so far, an opportunity to withstand a determined charge, and were not sure but the slightest success on the part of a large body of warriors might materially change the situation.