“I cured his daughter, and this is his grateful way of repaying me. But I have a secret to impart to you, and you must obey my injunctions. During our stay on the island I equipped a laboratory, and among other things made a synthetic food, which is put up in small tablets.
“I have eaten nothing that they know of since my arrival but these tablets, and it was such a marvelous thing that it has made my influence far greater than the power of their medicine men. When we return the chief will, no doubt, have a meal ready for us. Do not be surprised if I do not eat. Act as though it was natural for me to live without eating.”
“But are we going back again? Why can’t we escape?”
“We don’t want to escape, without their aid.”
The boys were astounded at this statement.
Fig. 11. Soap Plant.
“Not escape without their aid? Why do you want them to help us?”
“Some of your friends will be here before long, and when we escape we want to take the whole tribe with us,” said the Professor, smiling.
The boys did not smile at this statement. They were quiet for a time.