rhood, and the boat being dropped astern, to be in readiness
should they or the spy appear, the _Supplejack_ continued her course up
the river. The increasing daylight enabled Jack to see his way, and of
course a sharp lookout was kept on the shore.

The brig continued on for some distance, neither cavalry nor artillery
being seen. A few foot soldiers were observed trudging along, and
occasionally country people appeared on the high ground, but none of
them came down to the beach.

The appearance of the banks varied considerably in different places; in
some they were sloping and were covered with trees and shrubs, in others
they consisted of high earthy cliffs with the open plains of the Pampas
reaching to the edge of their summits. Frequently the telescope
revealed projecting from the cliffs the bones of the megatherion,
mastodon, milodon, and other huge antediluvian animals, of which,
however, neither Jack nor Terence knew the names. Sometimes they were
so distinct that they were remarked by the men, who wondered how such
strange animals could have found their way there.

"They cannot have gone and buried themselves," sagaciously observed Bill
Lizard, the boatswain's mate.

"For my part, howsomedever, I cannot think that anybody would have taken
the trouble to bury them," answered Needham. "It's a pity we have not
got Mr Scrofton on board; he would have told us all about it, no
doubt."

The ship's company, however, had soon other matters to engage their
attention. The brig was now approaching that part of the river where
the deep channel runs under the lofty and perpendicular cliffs of San
Lorenzo. The bed is as wide as in other places, but on the eastern side
is a line of islands extending for several miles, and forcing the
current over to the west. It was still doubtful, however, whether the
enemy had observed the brig, or would venture to attack her if they had.

Terence had gone aloft to be able to get a better view over the plain,
when he made out several horsemen, and what he at first took for carts
in the far distance, but which as they emerged from a cloud of dust
partially concealing them he discovered were field-pieces. There could
be little doubt that the _Supplejack_ would not escape without being
fired at. Fortunately there was a good stiff breeze, and under all sail
she stood boldly up the clearly defined channel. The ensign was flying
at the peak, and Jack ordered one to be hoisted at e