The Wonder Island boys

by Roger T. Finlay

Five days had now elapsed since Stut had been sent off on the mission to his people. There was no news from him, nor did the Kurabus appear on the scene, and Muro began to wonder at this silence from his brother. He felt sure that some word should have reached them during the day, but in this all were disappointed.

Several attacks and counter charges were made during the day, but the positions of the parties were maintained, and night came on none too soon for John. Muro insisted that he and his companion should undertake the investigation alone, and Blakely insisted that John should comply with their request, as he felt that the same object would be accomplished without the risk that might be attended in case John should expose himself to capture.

He reluctantly consented, but insisted on accompanying them close up to the lines, and Blakely and Harry also went forward to assist. The Saboros waited until late in the night, and then made their way to the Berees’ camp, followed by the whites.

At a safe distance John halted, and Muro and Nomo, rigged out as Berees, kept on, and shortly thereafter entered the camp, having made their way through the line without discovery. The Berees had no pickets along their western line, facing the river, as they did not expect an attack from that quarter.

They were gone for a full hour, and returned as silently as they went. There were no captives in camp. If any had been taken the probabilities were that they would have been guarded within the limits of the camp.

A wide detour was now made by Muro and Nomo, in order to gain the southern side of the Osagas. John and Blakely concluded it would be unwise to separate themselves from the wagon to accompany them around the camp, and remained on the north side.

Everything was quiet for fully an hour and a half, when they were startled by a gunshot. This could have come only from Muro and Nomo. John moved up closer, in order to get a better view of the situation, but the darkness prevented him from learning what it meant. There was great excitement in the camp, and the Berees became active at the noise of the gun.

Voices were heard at the right, as well as in the immediate front. It was evident that the Berees were concentrating and moving toward the Osagas.

It was an intense moment for the watchers, and they could do nothing to aid, as they had no idea what caused the continued uproar. It was obvious that Muro and Nomo had been discovered, and that the shot was in self-defense.

To prevent discovery John and his party moved back several hundred feet, nearer the wagon, and Muro immediately reappeared, with the news that Nomo had been captured. Muro’s gun had been accidentally discharged, as they were leaving the camp, and the possession by them of the guns was the very thing which attracted the attention of the warriors to them.