ttle chap is one of the best guides on this side of
the Andes. He and Pita are, I should say, the two best; and whenever they
can, they work together. He is a wonderful shot--better than Pita. He can
swim like a fish; and he does not seem to know what fatigue is. He and
Pita are like brothers, although they are so different in their ways; and
it is wonderful to see how they get on together. I would not mind where I
went with them, for they can find their way through the thickest forest,
and are up to every device that can be useful to travellers. I have never
heard of their losing anyone under their charge, except, of course, from
disease and heat, and perhaps a few shot by Indians. That is a thing that
may always happen, there is no guarding against it--especially when you
have got men with you who will go their own way, and make light of any
idea of taking precautions. Sometimes they have had to fall back
altogether when they have been with gold or treasure seekers, but never
when they were with trading parties.

"In the forest country the natives are generally ready enough to trade,
but there are parts where they never allow a white party to penetrate.
Whether it is that there is really a treasure, or an extraordinary rich
gold-mine, or whether it is only that in some sections the tribes are more
hostile than in others, no one knows for certain, but there is no doubt
that when any party approaches certain localities troubles begin directly.
As they go through the forest, arrows come flying thick through the tangle
of creepers, and poisoned darts from blow-pipes. The foes are invisible,
but they make themselves felt, and it soon breaks down the courage of the
bravest to be shot at when you never get a chance of shooting back in
return. Both Pita and Hurka have been with parties that have been attacked
and forced to fall back; but it has not been their fault, for they always
warn those who employ them that the dangers are too great to be overcome.
Still, men who think that they have got a clue to hidden wealth always
seem to consider that their guides are interested in preventing their
getting it, and will listen to no advice till they find out for themselves
that the danger has not been exaggerated, and that it is certain death to
push on further."

"I wonder that neither of them has been killed," Stephen said.

"It is a wonder, senor, and some have even declared that they must be in
league with the Indians; but it i