er it.

"Why, this is brandy," exclaimed John, as he swallowed the contents of a
second cup which Arthur gave him.

"Of course, my dear master," answered Domingos, who, folding his arms,
stood by, watching the effect of his treatment. "Some people think one
remedy the best, some another. It is wise to try both. The brandy
drives, the earth draws the poison forth."

Oh, how anxiously we watched John's countenance! No change took place.

Arthur and I went back, lest Ellen might be alarmed at our absence,
leaving Domingos, who stood unmoved, in the same attitude as at first,
watching his patient. At last Ellen put her head out from under the
toldo, and asked when breakfast would be ready, as she and Maria were
very hungry.

"What shall we tell her?" asked Arthur.

Just then I looked up, and saw Domingos coming towards us, waving the
dead snake in his hand, and John following, walking as briskly as if
nothing had been the matter with him.

"A wonderful cure has been wrought," he exclaimed, as he reached us.
"But don't tell Domingos yet. Finding myself much as usual, I bethought
me, as I sat with my leg in the hole, of looking into the reptile's
mouth; and though it has a set of sharp teeth, I could discover no
poisonous fangs. I am only sorry that so much good brandy was expended
on me, which may be wanted on another occasion."

We now summoned Ellen, and told her in English what had occurred.
Arthur and I having examined the head of the snake, to assure ourselves
that John was right, cut it off and threw it into the river, while True
breakfasted off the body, which we cooked for him. Domingos did not
discover the truth till some time afterwards; and we heard him
frequently boasting of the certain cure he knew for snake bites. I
cannot, however, say that his remedy would not prove efficacious.

Having made a good breakfast on the agouti, we once more embarked, and
glided down the stream.

I have not dwelt much on our anxiety, but, as may be supposed, we felt
it greatly, and our conversation could not fail to be subdued and sad.
Ellen, however, after her first grief had subdued, did her utmost, dear,
good little sister that she was, to cheer our spirits. Often she kept
repeating, "I am sure they have escaped! We shall before long find
them. Depend on it, papa would not allow himself to be surprised! I
have been praying for them ever since we commenced our journey, and I
know my prayers will be heard.