you must come and see our friend; he has been so kind and gentle, and
talked a great deal to me. I have been greatly puzzled to know the
meaning of some of his questions. Sometimes he spoke as if he would
like me to remain with him; but when I told him that I could not leave
you, my old friends, he agreed that I ought not."

As we entered the open space before the hut of the recluse he advanced
to meet us, and courteously invited us to remain till the next day. We
had wished to push on, as we had still some hours of daylight; but
Arthur begged us so earnestly to remain, that at last John agreed to do
so. The Indians built themselves a hut near the canoe, in which
Domingos remained to watch over our goods; while we passed the night at
the hermitage. Ellen tried her utmost to persuade our host to accompany
us; but he declined, saying that he could not abandon his present mode
of life, and would not desert his patient Maono till he had recovered.
Maono and Illora showed more pleasure at seeing us than is usually
exhibited by Indians. His head was still bound up, and both he and his
wife appeared clothed in light garments, which, though not so
picturesque as their savage want of attire, made them look much more
civilised.

The next morning we were on foot before daybreak, and having
breakfasted, and bid farewell to the chief and his wife, repaired at
early dawn to the canoe, attended by the recluse. Again Arthur
entreated him to accompany us, observing that Maono had so far recovered
that Illora might attend to him without his aid. He seemed to hesitate,
but finally shook his head, saying, "It cannot be; no, it cannot be!"

"Then do you wish me to remain with you?" asked Arthur, looking up in
his face.

The recluse seemed to be agitated with contending feelings. "No, boy,
no!" he answered. "I cannot allow you to leave friends who have shown
that they are interested in your welfare. But take this packet, and do
not open it till you have rejoined Mr Faithful's family. You will, I
doubt not, ere long find them, for from the information I have obtained
they some time ago proceeded down the river. Where they are settled I
cannot tell, but two if not more messengers have been despatched by them
in search of you, some of whom have either gone higher up the river, or
have fallen victims to the treacherous savages."

Arthur took the packet from the recluse with a look of surprise.

"It will explain all," said th