quagga for you,
we should have a hard task to tame it," said David; "but we will try
what we can do; perhaps, however, we shall find some other animal which
will answer the purpose. What do you think of an ox? They are used
more to the south, and make very good steeds, though a little difficult
to guide perhaps."

"I will tell you what!" exclaimed Leo. "If the rest will not go to the
south, what do you say to starting off with Natty and I, and we will
have an independent expedition, and take Chico with us. Natty and I
will paddle and you shall steer, and Chico can sit in the bows and keep
a look-out ahead. What do you say to that, old fellow?"

The ape had at that moment entered the room, and walked up to Leo, whom
he looked upon as his especial playmate, though he seemed to consider
Jack his chief protector.

I was glad to find that Senhor Silva was improving. Our negro guest was
also much better, and seemed anxious to return to his people. His wives
and children would be looking for him, and he thought he could very well
make his way through the forest to his home. David, however, persuaded
him to stay a few days longer, till his arm and ribs were properly set.

Two weeks passed away without any unusual occurrence. The other canoe
was now finished and ready for launching, but the heat of the weather
prevented us from willingly making any exertion, and had it not been for
the necessity of procuring food, on many days we should not have left
the house. We discovered at a little distance the remains of a deserted
village, and outside it grew a number of plantains, as well as pumpkins,
and other fruit, which, although not so good as those carefully
cultivated, were very valuable. We also found many wild fruits growing
in the forest; pine-apples, especially, were very fine, and there were
nuts of various sorts. Chickango discovered a quantity of ground or
pea-nuts, which, though bitter, and somewhat unpalatable, were very
nutritious, and he and Timbo ate them readily.

At length our guest was well enough to take his departure. His two
countrymen accompanied him for some distance, and Senhor Silva had
generously given him several articles which he valued highly--a few
yards of cotton, a knife, and some tobacco were among them. He begged
Timbo and Chickango to express his gratitude, and I really believe, from
the expression of his countenance, that he felt it.

Two days after this, early in the morning, w