The remarkable one of the four Saboros was Stut’s brother. He was the most powerful of the lot, and by far the brightest, as he grasped questions propounded by John and Blakely, with the utmost keenness. In physical proportions he was the equal of Chief. He was more voluble than either of the others, and judging from the manner in which he treated many of Angel’s antics, he must have been a wit in his tribe.
One thing was noticed from the first, and that was the deference which the other three always accorded him. John was the first to notice this, and the observing eye of the Professor was also quick to detect it.
“From the indications I am inclined to believe that Stut’s brother is more than the ordinary individual in his tribe. I have noticed that in our scouting Stut never attempted to do anything until his brother was consulted.” And John related many incidents of like character.
“Suppose we endeavor to ascertain his position,” responded the Professor. “It would not surprise me to learn that he is a chief, and if so it will be a strong factor.”
John was quick to question Stut, and together with Blakely, it did not take long to satisfy themselves on this point. When captured neither of them had sufficient clothing to show the rank to which they were entitled, and the certain knowledge that he was a man of distinction in his tribe, was a most pleasing thing.
George requested John to learn his name, and this was a matter easily ascertained. Indeed they might have known this earlier, were it not for the stirring scenes which they had passed through since the rescue, as Stut was heard to mention the name Muro on many occasions, but during these conversations it had never been associated with his name.
He was, notwithstanding his size, exceedingly light of foot, and could throw a spear with great accuracy and to enormous distances. The heavy bows which they had were simply playthings in his hands. The guns were the most fascinating things to him, and he was constantly questioning about them, and admiring the workmanship.
When Stut pointed out Harry, and told him that he had made the guns, and in his language pictured out the wonderful workshops at the Cataract, he could not keep his eyes from him, and walking over to Harry put his arm around him, and patted him on the shoulder, and finally rubbed Harry’s nose with his own.
The Professor instantly recognized this tribute, and said: “That is a sign that you are his eternal friend. You may depend on him to the extent of his own life. It is a way many savages have of indicating love and devotion.”
Stut easily recognized the Professor as the leader of the expedition, and walked over and performed the same rite with him, to the extreme gratification of all. It was not necessary for him to do more than he had in the past to show his affection for John.