the line of forest, cast the
silvery light of her bright beams. My sisters, and even the Brazilian
girls, uttered exclamations of admiration. We made our way across the
lake-like expanse, which was now just rippled with a light breeze; and
after an hour's progress, found ourselves approaching a lofty wall of
forest. Coasting along it, we entered a narrow channel similar to the
one we had quitted. Here and there the moonbeams, penetrating amid the
branches, enabled us to find our way till we reached an open spot on the
shores of a small lake.

"Here," said our father, "is the place I have selected for our retreat;
and as the Indians will believe that we have continued down the stream,
there is little probability, I think, of their coming here to search for
us. If they do, we may escape through the opposite side, and take one
of several channels which will again conduct us into the main stream."

There was sufficient light to enable us to erect rude huts for the
accommodation of the ladies of the party. As there was no fear of the
glare of the fires shining through the forest, and thus betraying our
position, we could venture to light a sufficient number for the
protection of the camp against wild beasts.

The next morning found us quietly settled in our new location. My
father and mother did their best to comfort Senhor Pimento and his
family for the loss of their property.

"Think how much worse it would have been," said my father, "had you, and
your wife, and daughters, and son been deprived of your lives! We
should be thankful for the blessings we receive."

"See, it is true--it is true," answered our Portuguese friend. "But--"

"Oh, utter not any `buts,'" observed my father. "`But' is an ungrateful
word. It should be discharged from human language."

Ellen had saved all her pets, even her humming-bird; and she and Fanny,
with the assistance of their Brazilian friends, had plenty of occupation
in arranging accommodation for them.

My father was anxious to have a larger vessel built, fit to navigate the
lower part of the river, over whose sea-like expanse strong winds
occasionally blow, which our smaller canoes were but ill-calculated to
encounter. The first thing, however, to be done, was to erect huts, in
which the party might live till the vessel could be got ready, or till
they received information that the voyage could be accomplished without
risk of being attacked by the rebels.

"I have bee