you come down the river. Instead of him, take the boy
Duppo with you. He may be of more use in guiding you through the
forest. The Indian woman will probably wish to remain with her
husband."

I found that Arthur was ready to stay with the recluse. "Poor man," he
said, "I may, I think, be of some service in soothing his mind, as well
as assisting him as he wishes. I do not like to leave you, Harry; but
if you do not object, I will remain. I wish, however, that you would go
in the canoe."

"She is too heavy, I fear, to paddle against the stream," I answered;
"and if I have Duppo as a guide, I would rather return through the
forest."

I explained this to the Indians, who at once consented that Duppo should
return with me; while Illora remained to nurse her husband. As there
was time to reach our location before dark, I begged to set off at once.
Duppo and I stored our wallets with fresh farinha; and I hoped to kill
a toucan, or a brace of parrots, on our way, which would afford us
sufficient food. As no time was to be lost, we set off at once. Duppo
showed some affection when parting from his mother. She was certainly
less demonstrative, however, than a European would have been. He was
evidently very proud of being allowed to attend on me.

He led the way with unerring instinct through the forest; and I felt
that there was no danger of losing the path, as John and I had done when
travelling in the same direction. I kept my eyes about me as we
proceeded, hoping to shoot some game, as we had but a limited supply of
food. I got a shot at a toucan, which was climbing with bill and claws
up a tree above our heads. It hung on to the branch for an instant, and
I was afraid I should lose it. Its claws and beak, however, soon let
go, and down it came, its beautiful plumage shining in the sun as it
fell. I could scarcely bring myself to kill it; but I had to confess
that necessity has no laws, and should as willingly at that moment have
shot the most gaily-coloured macaw or parroquet. It would, however,
afford Duppo and I, and True, but a scanty meal; I therefore kept my gun
ready for another shot.

Going on a little further, directly in front of us a beautiful deer
started up from behind a thicket. True darted forward, and flew at the
creature, which turned round and round to defend itself. I thus had the
opportunity of having a good aim, and wounded the deer in the neck.
Duppo started off in pursuit. He