ian." They then examined the canoe and its contents, and
having spoken a few words to each other, apparently relating to the
canoe, they put a thong of leather round each of our arms, and, making
a motion for us to follow them, they led us away.

"We've done our best, and could do no more," said the Portuguese; "I
feel that it's all over with me now, and I shall soon sleep in the
bosom of Jesus."

My heart was too full to make any reply. The Indians led on, and I
followed in silence.

We passed through the woods, which appeared to be interminable, till
the night closed in, and then the Indians halted, and while one
remained as guard over us, the others collected wood for a fire. They
had some provisions, but offered none to us. After an hour they lay
down to sleep round the fire, placing me and the Portuguese captain
next to the fire, and lying outside of us. They were soon fast asleep,
or appeared to be, when I said to the captain, "Have you your knife?
for if they remain asleep, let us wait an hour or so, and if you can
cut the leather thong which the Indian holds in his hand, and then
watch your opportunity, I will do the same, and we may escape."

"I have my knife, but my Indian is not asleep," replied he; "I will
wait till he is."

"What signal shall we make if we succeed?" said I.

"When you are ready, lift your arm up, I shall understand, and if I am
ready, I will do the same. Agreed; and now let us be quiet, for depend
upon it our conversation has roused them all."

We then composed ourselves, as if to sleep, and remained in that way
for more than an hour, by which time we were convinced that our
captors were slumbering. I then drew out my knife, for the Indians had
not attempted to rifle us, and cut the thong which was round my arm,
without awaking the Indian who had the other end in his hand. I
remained quiet for a quarter of an hour, when the Portuguese lifted up
his arm as a signal that he was free. I listened attentively, and
being certain that the Indians were asleep, I lifted up my arm also.

The Portuguese then rose up carefully, and without noise, stepping
past the bodies of the Indians, till he was clear of the circle. I did
the same, and pointed to the muskets, which lay on the grass by the
Indians. He took one up and I another, and we retreated to a short
distance.

"We must have the other muskets," said I; "stay where you are."

I advanced cautiously and took up the other three muskets,