, Illora, I
must confess, bearing the larger portion. Some of the plantains and
fruits they put into our canoe as they passed. They had another long
talk, by the usual means of signs, with John and Domingos, who managed
tolerably well to comprehend their meaning. We asked Duppo how it was
they came to have a canoe. He replied that they had found one which had
been left behind by the Majeronas, and, as we understood, they had
brought it down through the igarape, which communicated with another
river to the north of us, running into the main stream. When I heard
this, the idea struck me that we were not yet altogether free from the
danger of being attacked by the Majeronas, who, having possessed
themselves of our canoe and those of our friends, might some night come
down and take us by surprise.

I jumped on shore and took John aside, so that Ellen could not hear me,
that I might tell him my fears. "You are right to mention them to me,"
he answered; "at the same time, I do not think we need be alarmed. I
will, however, try and explain your idea to the Indians, and get them to
place scouts on the watch for such an occurrence. I certainly wish we
were further off; but yet, as we are now at a considerable distance from
their territory, we shall be able to hear of their approach, should they
come, in time to escape. We must make our way through the woods to the
hut of the recluse, and I am very sure that he will be able to afford us
protection. From what he said, he is well-known among all the
surrounding tribes, who appear to treat him with great respect. Though
we may lose such of our property as we cannot carry off, that will be of
minor importance if we save our lives. For my part, however, I am under
no apprehension of the sort; and I am very glad you did not mention your
fears in the presence of Ellen."

Though I hoped I might be wrong in supposing an attack possible, I was
satisfied at having warned John before going away. Arthur and I tried
to make Duppo understand our plans, that he might describe them to his
father and mother. They, in return, signified that they would proceed
part of the way with us, and make inquiries as they went along, having
been requested to do so by their white friend--meaning the recluse.

John, Ellen, Domingos, and Maria came down to the edge of the water once
more to see us off, accompanied by Nimble and Toby--Toby placed on the
shoulders of Domingos, while Nimble perched h