appeared bite proof, and only growled and swore at having their slumbers
disturbed.

"We have, however, learnt a lesson, and I vote that in future we look
out for ants' nests, before settling on our camping-ground," observed
Archy Gordon, with his usual gravity, as they once more lay down on the
other side of the fire, at a respectful distance from their former
resting-place.

"I'd sooner face an electric eel, or a boa-constrictor, than an army of
those diabolical little pests," exclaimed Desmond, who had suffered even
more than his companions; "you may tackle them, but I defy any one
except perhaps Spider, to defeat their attacks, and he would have to
keep his paws pretty active to catch them."

"I wish that we had him with us," groaned Tom; "I am still itching and
smarting all over, and they are at me again, I am sure of it."

"A big ant-eater would help us more effectually," observed Gordon. "He
is a curious creature, with a thick bushy tail and a pointed snout, in
which he has a long tongue, to enable him to lick up an army of ants and
swallow them down at a gulp."

"I wonder that the ants are such fools as to come out of their castles,
then," remarked Desmond.

"The ant-eater does not wait for them to do that, for he has got
powerful claws with which he pulls down their castles, and when they
come out to repair the breaches, he sticks out his tongue and captures a
whole army at once," answered Gordon.

"Faith, then, I wish that we could have a few such creatures to inspect
our camp in future before we lie down to rest," said Desmond.

"Silence there, you youngsters," cried an officer; "if you can't go to
sleep, take a round turn of your tongues."

The hint was not neglected, and notwithstanding the irritation they were
suffering, the midshipmen were very soon snoozing away as soundly as any
one.

Every night similar scenes occurred; and during the day, except when
stopping for dinner, the boats' crews pulled on with as much vigour and
resolution as at first.

At length, after a pull of not less than seventy-two hours, the boats'
crews had the satisfaction of hearing that they were only two or three
miles from the fort in which the Nicaraguan forces were posted.

A somewhat limited space only could be found on the shore for their
encampment, so that a greater number than usual took up their quarters
in the boats.

As may be supposed, a careful search was made for ants' nests,
rattle-snakes' holes,