h
injury, but it would be a very different matter when coming down.

Even the gigs' crews found it trying work at best. Sometimes it
appeared as if it would be impossible to get up the heavier boats unless
they could be warped; still by the determination and perseverance of the
crews all difficulties were overcome, and after an hour's rest for
dinner, under the shade of the trees, they pulled on again much in the
same fashion till near nightfall. They then landed at a deserted
clearing, and congratulated themselves at finding a place so well suited
for their encampment. As they were getting nearer the territory of the
enemy sentries were placed at the edge of the forest, and cautioned to
be vigilant to prevent a surprise.

Jack and Terence, who had landed with their fowling-pieces, were
fortunate in shooting a capybora, a rodent animal as large as a
middling-sized pig. Soon afterwards they knocked over a couple of
little peccaries, which furnished a welcome addition to the supper to
all hands. The officers and men collected as before round their
respective fires; the mosquitoes were somewhat less troublesome, or
perhaps the people were more inured to their attacks. It was, however,
necessary to sit within the limits of the clouds of smoke to enjoy any
comfort.

Songs were sung, stories told, and all hands were apparently enjoying
themselves. Mr Wilmot made himself very agreeable, and his companion
became a great favourite, from his fund of humour and his frank and
unassuming manners.

"Do you really think that this colonel and his men will give us anything
to do?" asked Jack of Mr Wilmot.

"The fellows are ferocious enough when they fight among themselves, and
brave as such fellows generally are, though, they would not venture to
resist us with double our forces if they were on equal terms, but if
they thought that they could take us at an advantage, they would
probably hold out and afford us some trouble," answered the consul.

"I some time ago visited the fort of Serapaqui, in which the colonel and
his troops are posted, and it is a remarkably strong place, standing on
a point of land about fifty feet in height, which projects directly into
the river, while behind the fort is a dense forest, which completely
defends the rear. In front is an abattis formed of large trees, with
their trunks fixed in the ground, and their branches projecting into the
river, so that it would be impossible for boats to reach