When the white captive heard the Professor’s words he stopped in surprise. Turning to see who had addressed him he rushed to grasp the Professor’s hand, and saw the boys approaching. “This is too good to be true. Who were the savages that rescued us?”
“We will let you know in time. We must now hurry forward. Your rescuers will come up in time.” And without waiting for further words the Professor led the way to the wagon, only to be met by John and Stut, as before stated.
When the wagon was reached they saw the captive which had gone on ahead skulking around the wagon, and Stut rushed forward talking excitedly as he followed him. The captive stood still while he went up and put his arms around him and led him forward. Stut was happy beyond expression, and tried to explain the situation to John.
CHAPTER VIII
THE RESCUED CHIEF MURO
The white man came to the rescue, and began to explain that the late captive was a brother or a relative of Stut, and the moment he commenced speaking John went over to him, garbed as he was in savage costume, and said:
“How do you do, Sam?”
The man drew back for a moment, at being thus addressed. “Don’t you recognize Varney?”
“John Varney, my old shipmate! How did you get here?”
“This, Professor, was my companion on the ship that sailed from San Francisco, Mr. Blakely. Where have you been all this time?”
“Hunting for you all over the island, when the savages permitted me to go around by myself.”