This completed the wonder and awe of the natives, who again prostrated themselves, with every symptom of worship, before the boys.

These again raised them, and by signs intimated their intention of accompanying them.
With lively demonstrations of gladness and welcome, the Indians turned to go, pointing to the west as the place where their abode lay.
"We may as well leave our bows and arrows," Ned said.

"Their bows are so immensely superior to ours that it will make us sink in their estimation, if they see that our workmanship is so inferior to their own." The Indians, who were all very tall, splendidly made men, stepped out so rapidly that the lads had the greatest difficulty in keeping up with them, and were sometimes obliged to break into a half trot; seeing which the chief said a word to his followers, and they then proceeded at a more reasonable rate.

It was late in the evening before they reached the village, which lay in a wooded hollow at the foot of some lofty hills.

The natives gave a loud cry, which at once brought out the entire population, who ran up and gazed, astonished at the newcomers.