especially disagreeable to cross; for under the gloomy shadow of the
trees they would now and then catch a glimpse of huge newt-like lizards
of the genus _hydrosaurus_--almost as large as crocodiles--slowly
floundering out of the way, as if reluctant to leave, and
half-determined to dispute the passage.

Moreover, while thus occupied, they lived in the obscurity of an eternal
twilight, and could travel only by guess-work. They had no guide save
the sun, which in these shadows is never visible. Through the thick
foliage overhead its disc could not be seen; nor aught that would enable
them to determine its position in the sky, and along with it their
direction upon the earth. It was, therefore, not only a relief to their
feelings, but a positive necessity for their continuance in the right
direction, that now and then a stretch of open swamp obstructed their
track. True, it caused them to make a detour, and so wasted their time;
but then it afforded them a glimpse of the sun's orb, and enabled them
to pursue their journey in the right course.

During the mid-day hours they were deprived of even this guidance: for
the meridian sun gives no clue to the points of the compass. They did
not much feel the disadvantage; as at noon-tide the hot tropical
atmosphere had become almost insupportable, and the heat, added to their
fatigue from incessant toiling through thicket and swamp, made it
necessary for them to take several hours of rest.

They resumed their journey in the evening, as the sun, declining toward
the western horizon, pointed out to them the way they were to go. They
aimed to reach the sheet of water seen by them from the brow of the
mountain. They wished to strike it at its southern end, as this was
right in the direction westward. It appeared to lie about midway
between the two mountain-ranges; and, in such a case, would be a proper
halting-place on their journey across the plain. On starting from the
higher ground, they expected to reach it in a few hours, or at the
latest by sunset of that same day. But it was twilight of the third
day, when, with exhausted strength and wearied limbs, their clothing
torn and mud-stained, they stood upon its nearest shore! They did not
stand there long, but dropping down upon the earth, forgetful of
everything--even the necessity of keeping watch--they surrendered
themselves over to sleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

A RED SATYR.

They slept until a late hour of