he river between this place and that where we expected to
find them."

"Now, Harry, what do you say?" asked John.

"I agree with Arthur," I replied. "As we came down a considerable
distance at night, I say we should examine the shores we then passed.
As the greater part of our voyage was performed by daylight, I do not
think it at all likely we could have missed them had they been sailing
up to meet us. I also advise that we make the excursion we proposed in
the small canoe in the first place, while our Indian friends are
constructing the larger one."

Domingos had been standing with his arms folded, as was his custom,
watching our countenances. He had perfectly understood what was said.
Taking off his hat, he made a bow to Ellen, saying, "I agree with the
senora. I feel sure that my honoured master would desire to place his
family in safety at a distance from the savage tribe who attacked him,
and that, therefore, he has moved further down the river, probably to
one of the nearest Portuguese settlements on the banks. But knowing his
affection for you, his children, I believe he would have sent back
messengers to meet us should he have been unable to return himself. It
is they, in my opinion, we should look out for; probably, indeed, they
have already passed us. I am sorry that we did not leave some signals
at our stopping-places, which might show them where we have been, and
lead them to us. Then, again, as Senor Fiel might not have been able to
procure messengers at once, and as the voyage up the stream is
laborious, they may not have got as far as this. Thus we are right in
remaining at this spot, whence we can see them should they approach. I
therefore hold to the opinion that the large canoe should be constructed
without delay, in which we might continue our voyage, but that we should
keep a look-out both by day and night, lest our friends might pass by
without observing us."

"It becomes, then, my duty as president to give the casting vote in this
important matter," observed John, "as the members of the council are
divided in opinion. Although the opinion expressed by Ellen and
Domingos has probability on its side, yet it must be considered
theoretical; while that given by Arthur and Harry is undoubtedly of a
more practical character. Should we on exploring the shores higher up
find no traces of our relatives, we shall then proceed with more
confidence on our voyage, buoyed up with the hope of over