am afraid the Majeronas, if they have been victorious, are not likely
to listen to anything we have to say," said John. "We must show them
our rifles. They will understand that argument better than anything
else."

All this time we were paddling along as at first. Before us was a
narrow part of the igarape, and I fully expected every instant to see
the savages appear on the bank. Still, we had made considerable way,
and it was possible that we had kept ahead of them. I said nothing,
however, lest it might discourage my companions.

We were nearing the dreaded point. I saw that Duppo was keeping the
canoe over to the opposite side.

"Would it not be better to get our guns ready to fire?" I said to John.

"No, no," he answered. "Keep paddling away. There is no honour nor
advantage to be gained by fighting. If we reach the village, we shall
meet the foe on better terms."

It was anxious work. We could not tell whether the next moment might
not be our last. Then what would become of poor dear Ellen? We knew
that Domingos and Maria would do their best. Still, how could they
escape alone?

"Now," said John, "we must dash by that point as fast as we can! Never
mind if we ship a little water. We must not let the savages kill us if
we can help it."

The point was reached. I expected to see a party of the Majeronas start
up from among the bushes. On we went. I held my breath as I paddled
away. The point was passed. No savages appeared.

"Hurrah!" cried Arthur, who was seated in the bows. "There is the
village!"

In three minutes more we were on shore. Duppo set off running, shouting
at the top of his voice. The boys collected round him as he went, but
instantly dispersed to their huts. Before he was out of sight they had
again collected, some with bows and arrows, others with _sumpitans_.
Several old men appeared also, armed with larger weapons of the same
description. Altogether, fully fifty men and boys were collected. We
came to the conclusion that the enemy had hoped to surprise the village,
and were approaching for that object when Duppo had discovered them.

John advised that a breastwork should be thrown up, extending from the
igarape across the path the Majeronas were likely to come by. After
some time, our friends seemed to comprehend what we wanted. Some
timbers for building a new hut were fortunately at hand. We drove
several into the soft earth to form a palisade. The native