being able to reach the
periagua--which could be seen just drawing up to its point of the bar.

They had not made a dozen steps into the open ground, when the bushes
from which they had just parted were seen to vibrate, and from out their
trembling cover rushed a host of strange creatures: literally a host,
for, in a few seconds' time, not less than two hundred of them made
their appearance.

They were quadrupeds of a greyish-brown colour, not larger than
half-grown pigs; and pigs they were--that is to say, they were
_peccaries_. They were those of the species _labiatus_--as could be
seen by their white lips. These lips were especially conspicuous, for
each individual was rushing on open-mouthed, with snout raised aloft--
all of them cracking their teeth like castanets, uttering, as they ran,
a confused chorus of short, sharp grunts and squeaks expressive of
anger.

As soon as Alexis saw them, he recognised the peril of the situation in
which he and his brother were placed. He had read, and heard moreover
from the Portuguese trader--as well as from the Indian canoe-men--of the
danger to be apprehended from an attack of these fierce little animals;
and how the hunter, to escape from them, is often compelled to take to a
tree. Had he and Ivan reflected for a moment, they would probably have
made for the woods, instead of running out on the open sand-bar as they
had done. It was now too late, however. The peccaries covered the
whole line of beach behind them; and no tree could have been reached,
without passing back again through the midst of the drove. Their
retreat in the direction of the woods was completely cut off; and there
appeared no alternative, but to make the best use they could of their
heels, and if possible get on board the periagua.

With this determination they rushed on over the sandbank, closely
pursued by the peccaries.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

PURSUED BY PECCARIES.

It is needless to say that our young hunters took as long strides as the
nature of the ground would permit; but, unfortunately, they were not
long enough. The sand was soft and heavy, and in places so full of
holes, where the turtles had had their eggs--now empty--that the
fugitives could make but slow progress, though fear was urging them to
do their utmost. The pursuers themselves did not make as good speed as
they would have made on firmer ground, but they were going faster than
the pursued; and the boys were beginning