rds seemed to have a powerful effect. Greatly to our relief, they
began to retire through the forest. Our friends accompanied them to
their canoes, while Arthur and I followed at a distance to watch what
would next take place. The canoes were launched, and the natives,
bidding an affectionate farewell to the recluse, and a respectful one to
Pumacagua, leaped into them, and took their departure to the opposite
bank of the river. We hurried on to meet our friends, and soon
afterwards my father came out of the fort to welcome Don Jose. They
greeted each other warmly.

"Finding that I could no longer render service to my countrymen, and
that my own life was in constant danger," Don Jose said, "I was on my
way down the river to join you, when I saw a large number of canoes
drawn up on the beach, a few people only remaining with them. From them
I learned what was taking place, and I at once suspected, from what they
told me, who it was they were about to attack. I instantly landed, and
overtook the main body of insurgents. The rest you know."

Our friends then returned to the fort, and all hands at once set to work
to complete our vessel. Tony alone was somewhat disappointed at so
pacific a termination to the affair. The additional hands whom Don Jose
had brought with him were of great assistance, as they were all expert
boat-builders; and in less than a couple of days our craft was launched,
and ready to proceed on her voyage. Don Jose and our father had, of
course, much to talk about. The former seemed greatly out of spirits at
the turn affairs had taken, and in despair of the establishment of true
liberty in his country. His affection for my father had induced him to
follow us, and he purposed to remain with him at Para till a change of
affairs in Peru might enable him to return.

The rainy season was now completely over; though the heat was very
great, the weather was fine. At length our new vessel, which we called
the _Manatee_, with the canoes of Don Jose and Houlston in company,
emerging from the igarape, made sail to the eastward.

I have not space to describe the voyage. Sometimes we navigated a wide
expanse of water, where the river's banks were several miles apart;
sometimes we passed amid an archipelago, through narrow channels where
the branches of the giant trees almost joined overhead. Sometimes we
sailed on with a favourable breeze, and at other times had to lower our
sails and take to the o