“Well, in our case, we carry our fort with us,” and Tom laughed as he added: “But what are we going to do about the Bible?”
The Professor smiled, as did the others: “If you carry out that injunction, giving and not receiving, you are doing what the Bible teaches in essence.”
They now had the two captives, one who was still unable to walk and the other rapidly improving, and no doubt in a condition where he would be able to take care of himself within another week, and by that time the other would be so materially improved as to lighten the care necessary in his case.
Meanwhile every moment was put to the necessary preparations for the great self-imposed task, however critical it might be. The ammunition supply was doubled, and ten more gun barrels drilled out, accompanied with the stocks and fittings for the complete equipment. At odd hours the loom was in motion, making the crude sort of cloth that ramie fiber afforded; a load of cane was brought in and fifty pounds of sugar boiled down ready for use.
The wagon was thoroughly overhauled, and a new yoke provided. Thus each day was filled with excitement growing out of the new impulse which had been implanted in them.
The Saboro was learning rapidly, and his efforts to pronounce many of the words sounded generally like a severe case of stuttering, which was frequently amusing, and George, who had a faculty for affixing names, never referred to him except by the appellation of Mr. Stut.
“Why isn’t that a good name,” ventured Tom, as the significance burst on him. From that time forward he was known as Stut. It was simply the boy habit of giving some name, even to somebody who had a much better one, and it was so easy to pronounce.
“The other scalawag isn’t worth a name, as he is nothing but a chump. He hasn’t said a word since he has been having the pleasure of our company,” added Harry.
“Mr. Chump will suit him to a dot.”
Stut, and Chump, and Angel. John and the Professor laughed heartily as the boys jollied and worked. It was a sample of part of the life in that little community.