off, and as they
will not wander from their encampment during the night, we may, if
necessary, avoid them. We will, however, first learn if they are
friends or foes. If they are friends, they may assist us with their
canoes in getting through the passage; but if they are foes, we must try
to steal by them without being seen."

We had now all collected on the log, and Marian having retired to her
cabin, we sat down to discuss the best plan of proceeding.

"I see we must do what I before proposed," said the skipper. "We will
build a small raft, and Peter and I, with Maco and Sambo, will endeavour
to push through the passage while you all remain concealed from the
natives behind these thick trees. Should we get through, I will send
Maco back to guide you; and you must build two other small rafts, which
will be sufficient to carry you."

Uncle Paul did not at first seem inclined to agree with the skipper. He
was unwilling that our party should separate; for, should the natives
discover us, and prove hostile, they were more likely to attack a small
number than a large one. At the same time, he acknowledged that by
remaining on the log we might be able to retreat on it down the stream
should we be attacked, and, at all events, still have some chance of
saving our lives.

The skipper had at first proposed forming the raft immediately, and
embarking on it during the night, so as to pass the neighbourhood of the
Indian encampment before daylight; but so great was the darkness in the
confined spot where we were, that we soon found it would be impossible
to commence our building operations till the return of day, and he was
therefore compelled to put off his expedition till the next night.

CHAPTER NINE.

HOWLING MONKEYS--A BEAUTIFUL SCENE--THE CURUPIRA--WE MAKE A RAFT--
CAPTAIN VAN DUNK AND HIS COMPANIONS DEPART ON IT--VISIT THE INDIAN
ENCAMPMENT--WHITE UAKARI--ARRIVAL OF MACO--START ON A LONG SWIM.

We kept a vigilant watch during the night, with the oars ready to shove
off, should by chance any of the Indians approach us. Kallolo took post
on the roots of the tree I have before described, whence we had at first
seen the light which had given us an intimation of the neighbourhood of
the savages, that he might give us timely warning should any of them
quit their encampment and come towards us. Still there was but little
probability of being disturbed during the hours of darkness.

Scarcely had the sun sunk b