nine o'clock
The difficulty was to get into communication with the natives , as their efforts of the preceding day did not offer much encouragement in that direction . The fact that the people on the island observed peculiar rites was evidence to John that they must be steeped in the superstitions that are a necessary part of the craft of the witch doctors , and to the boys , as well as to Uraso and Muro , the opportunity for John to match his intelligence with the crafty Krishnos , was awaited with interest . It was shown on Wonder Island , that while the people had the most implicit confidence in their medicine men , they were the first to cause their overthrow when it was shown that they maintained their superiority through deceit . Before nine o'clock the drums began to beat . They were plainly heard , as there was a slight breeze from that direction . John selected fifteen of the warriors , and accompanied by the boys , and Muro and Uraso , started for the village . `` You are to remain here until you get word from us .