John was glad of the opportunity, and the boys, as usual, were also present. The Chief's eyes followed the two boys, as they entered. He smiled at them, as John came up and greeted him.
Uraso told John what they had talked about, and that the Chief was interested in his story of Wonder Island.
"Our Great Chief will welcome you to Wonder Island," said John.
The Chief looked at John for a moment, and then his eyes wandered to Uraso, as he answered: "Is there still a greater Chief? Is there a man more powerful than this Chief?"
Uraso laughed, as did John. "Tell him," said John, "that our Chief is powerful, because he is wise."
He did not seem to understand this, and asked for more information. Uraso told him that the white man did not regard the strong man as the greatest, but that the wisest man was always the Chief.
Here was certainly a new philosophy. "But," he inquired, "then how can he rule his people, if he is not strong?"
"The people willingly submit to his will because they know what he says is best for them."
"But does not the Chief sometimes tell them lies, and does he not often deceive them?"
"Yes; but when they do so then the people choose another Chief in his place."
"And after they have killed the first Chief, and have taken another, and he lies, do they also kill him?"
"No; they do not kill the Chiefs, but they only put others in their places."
"No; they are wise only when they do what is right."
"Do what is right! What do you mean by that? How can the Chief do anything but right?"
"Do you think," asked Uraso, "that the Chief has a right to lie or deceive?"
"Yes, he can do that, but not his people. It is wrong for them to do so."
"But the white man believes that it is just as wrong for the Chief to lie and to deceive, as for the people to do so."
The Chief was silent for a long time, and John purposely permitted him to reflect on the new dispensation. While thus musing on the new theory, a woman carrying a child appeared at the door. John saw her, and, stepping out, took the child from her arms. She permitted it, and when the Chief appeared she fell down and explained that the White Chief had been very kind to her.
John took some medicine from a small vial, and administered it, the Chief meanwhile looking on in astonishment. Here was a great White Chief, looking out for the comfort of one of the poorest of his people.