d on
down the river again.

"I really think, after all, we must have been mistaken in our opinion of
those men," said John. "I never like to think harm of our
fellow-creatures. Perhaps, after all, they did not understand us."

I was not quite so certain of this. A strong breeze came up the river,
and prevented us making as much progress as we had expected. As evening
drew on it increased greatly, and signs of a storm appeared in the sky.
We were over on the southern shore, and had passed an island near the
mainland similar to the one on which our family had lately taken refuge.
Just then the tempest burst on us. I had observed an opening in the
forest, apparently the mouth of a channel, and towards it we now
steered. It was not without difficulty, however, that we could keep the
canoe before the fast rising seas. Had we fallen into the trough, we
should instantly have been upset.

The Indians seemed well aware of our danger, and paddled steadily. I
was thankful when at length we found ourselves is calm water, though the
wind still whistled and howled through the trees, which bent their tall
boughs over our heads, as if they would come down and crush our bark.
We paddled on, therefore, for some distance, till we reached a sheltered
spot, where we agreed to land and build a hut, that Arthur might sleep
more comfortably than he could in the canoe.

When we told the Indians what we wanted, they immediately set to work,
with apparent good-will; and in a short time had erected a neat and
comfortable hut, with a bed-place of bamboos. On this, having spread
several mats brought from the canoe, we placed Arthur.

"Oh, how kind you are," he whispered.

I was rejoiced to hear him speak.

"I know all about it," he added; "I saw the puma, but had not time to
cry out."

The Indians had consumed the remainder of the paca; and as there was
still an hour or more of daylight, they proposed going out to catch some
fish. I thought of accompanying them, but I did not like to leave
Arthur. John then said he would go; but when he got down to the water,
the Indians had already shoved off.

"I dare say I may find some game in the woods, and that may be better
for Arthur than fish," he observed, coming back.

We saw the canoe at a little distance, the Indians standing ready, some
with their harpoons and others with their bows, to strike any fish which
might be passing. Now they came nearer to us, and I saw they had struck