Cleary was a good
speaker, and they were impressed by his style as well as by his
argument. They palavered together for some time; then Carlos arose
and addressed his guests, but particularly Sam, whom he considered
as the leader.
"Brothers," he said, "we are indeed brothers by the torture, tattoo,
tom-tom, and top-feather. We did not know who you were, we did not
understand you. We wished to be left in peace. We did not want to have
the Castalians come here and rob us. We did not want their beads and
their brandy. We wanted to be let alone. But you are our brothers. You
are greater savages than we are. Why should we not go with you? The
chiefs of our other villages are coming to-morrow at sunrise. I will
conduct you back to your great chief with them, and we shall all
rejoice together."
It was now nearly dark. Carlos apologized for not having accommodation
for his guests in his tree-hut, but provided comfortable blankets on
the ground and had a fire built for them in a secluded place near the
village. The three men were soon sleeping peacefully, and they did not
awake until the sun had already risen.
CHAPTER IX
On Duty at Havilla
[Illustration]
When they woke they heard the noise of voices in the village and
hastened thither. The chiefs had already arrived and were exchanging
greetings with Carlos and the other residents.
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