gns in the west, among
the mountains, of a coming storm, he said, and should it break before we
were safe on the other side, we should be prevented from crossing
altogether. Still, as we looked at the frail bridge, John and I were
very unwilling to expose Ellen to the risk she must run. At length Don
Jose ordered the Indians to form a long rope of sipos, and to stretch it
across the stream, that it might assist to steady the bearers on their
passage. This caused some delay. "Hasten! hasten!" cried Isoro. "I
hear a sound which tells me that the waters are coming down!"

Don Jose on this led the way. Arthur kept close to him. I followed
with True in my arms, for I had taken him up for fear of his being
carried away by the current. Ellen's bearer same next. John walked
close behind her, to render her assistance should it be required. With
one hand I grasped the long sipo, with the other I kept tight hold of
True. The rest had the advantage of being able to steady themselves
with their poles. Domingos assisted Maria. The water, even before we
reached the trunk, came roaring and hissing down round our legs, and I
had some difficulty in stemming the current. I was thankful when our
leader reached the trunk, and began his passage over it. I found it,
however, very slippery with the spray which broke over it. I dared not
look back to see how it fared with Ellen. I heard her voice, however,
as she cried out, "Do not be afraid, Harry; my bearer steps firmly, and
I am looking up at the blue sky and the waving tops of the tall trees; I
do not feel any alarm." Still there was a wide extent of bubbling water
to be crossed beyond the end of the slippery trunk, and I could hear the
loud roar of the waters which came down from the mountains through the
ravine. I saw Don Jose hastening on, and more than once he turned and
beckoned us to proceed more rapidly. The end of the bridge was reached.
Arthur hesitated to leap into the boiling water. Don Jose turned round
and seized his hand and led him on. I followed. It seemed that every
instant the depth of the water was increasing. I trembled for Ellen's
safety, and yet could not venture to look back to ascertain how it was
faring with her. I thought too of John, Maria, Domingos, and our
Indians. The danger for those who came last would be greatly increased.
Had it not been for the sipo, I could scarcely have kept my footing.
Now I was wading up to my middle, now climb