The Wonder Island boys

by Roger T. Finlay

In explanation of this it should be stated that John was captured the first time by a very bitter and vindictive set, from whom he escaped, only to be taken, during the progress of a battle, by the successful tribe, living to the west. The last tribe was named the Osagas, and when the Professor and the boys had the first fight it was with this tribe, and from them the Chief, named Uraso, was captured, and held a prisoner for a time.

Uraso was with them long enough to become fairly familiar with the language, but John was able to talk with them, with some degree of intelligence, as he had learned the rudimentary part of the language. Uraso’s return to the tribe was a sore disappointment, because it was hoped that he would serve as a link by which they could communicate with the savages.

The first night the encampment was on the bank of the upper portion of Cataract River, and they would leave its shore in the morning for a more southerly course. The complete equipment was not a heavy load, since all of them walked except the Professor and Chump; the other captive, Stut, was allowed his liberty, because they felt that the direction of their route would bring them into a neighborhood which was remote from his tribe, and to reach his home it would be necessary to pass at least two of the hostile tribes.

The second night they encamped in what might fairly be called the enemy’s country, as on one of the previous trips the first view of them was had not many miles to the south. Caution, therefore, must be exercised, and the custom which had been established of setting regular watches was now resorted to.

Angel was with them, as a matter of course. His aid was invaluable, and the joyful chuckles which he emitted, when the wagon first started on its journey, told his feelings too well for words.

After the morning meal John and George took the advance. This was the signal for Angel to follow. He shambled along, and whenever opportunity offered was in the trees, swinging along from one to the next, and keeping up the pace without any apparent effort.

At intervals George would call to Angel to ascend a high tree and look to the south. This was now a familiar thing for him to do. He seemed to be proud of the faculty. George had on many occasions performed this scouting operation, and Angel learned to know its meaning.

Noon came before the tributary stream of the West River was reached. They hoped to encamp on its shore for luncheon, but it was still an hour or more away.

Before luncheon was over, Angel, in the highest treetop, began to descend with that well-known danger chatter, to which all had become accustomed. George ran to the tree and pointed to the south, and this was the signal for the repetition of his talk about the savages.

Selecting the most accessible tree, George mounted it for thirty feet, accompanied by Angel, and, following the eyes of the animal, could distinctly see moving objects directly to the south.