he gave to Arthur. We left the father and son together, while we
returned to the canoe. On our way Houlston and Tony recounted to me
briefly what had occurred. They had made their way nearly up to the
mouth of the Napo, when, not finding us, they had determined to visit
every spot on the shore where we were likely to have stopped. They had
at length put into the creek, near the abode of the recluse.

"Much to our surprise," said Houlston, "we were accosted in English by a
tall white man. On telling him our errand, he informed us that you had
long since gone down the stream, and seemed very much surprised and
grieved to find that we had not encountered you. He at once volunteered
to accompany us, saying that he was greatly interested in your welfare,
and could not rest satisfied without assisting in our search for you.
We were, of course, very glad to have his company; and going back to his
hut, he soon returned with two Indians--a man and his wife--who also
wished to come with us. They are there," and Houlston pointed to the
canoe.

Just then one of the Indians landed; and though dressed in a shirt and
trousers, I recognised him as our friend Maono. He was followed by
Illora, also habited in more civilised costume than when we had at first
seen her. They greeted me kindly, and inquired, with more warmth than
Indians generally exhibit, for their son and daughter. I assured them
of their welfare, and of the esteem in which they were held by my
family. They appeared to be gratified, and then inquired for the
Indians who had accompanied us. Maono was excessively indignant when we
told him of the trick they had played us, and threatened to put them to
death when he got back to his people. We entreated him, however, for
our sakes, not to punish them so severely; indeed, we told him we would
rather he pardoned them altogether, as they had been influenced by a
desire to return to their people, and perhaps supposed that we might
prevent them from so doing. They had till that moment been faithful and
obedient, and we assured him that we had had no cause to complain of
them.

Some time was spent in talking to Tony and Houlston. On our return to
the hut we found Mr Mallet standing in front of it. He said Arthur was
improving, but begged that we would remain where we were, as he was
unwilling to move him at present. We of course willingly agreed to do
what he wished, and forthwith set to work to put up huts for t