orses
and cattle roaming over the broad savannas which extend from the Cauca
to the foot of the mountains.

In this region we met with three or four Indian families of the same
tribe as our companions, and we learned from the last we encountered
that a party of Spaniards occupied a spot on the bank of the river some
way lower down, but whether they were marching north or south we could
not ascertain. One thing was certain--we must either land on the
opposite side to that where they were posted, or pass by during the
night. Our Indian friends decided that the latter would be the safest
plan to pursue, so we ran the canoe a short distance up a creek with
reeds on either side and thickly wooded beyond; a place which afforded
us ample concealment, while there was abundance of wild fowl to supply
us with food.

The Indians had brought some network hammocks composed of fibre, which
they hung up between the trees, and advised us to occupy while they
prepared supper. No sooner had we landed than Uncle Richard shot a wild
turkey, which we left with the Indians, while we went along the banks of
the stream in search of ducks. Our friends' eyes sparkled in the
anticipation of an abundant feast, as they saw us return with four brace
of fat birds. The Indians had a big pot, into which they put some
venison they had brought with them, and some of the birds cut up, with
vegetables of various sorts. These they stirred over the fire, and made
a very satisfactory mess, flavoured as it was with chili pepper and
other condiments. We ate our turkey simply roasted, however, as it
suited Uncle Richard's palate and my own.

We had still some hours to wait until the Spaniards were likely to be
asleep, and the men on guard less watchful. At present, too, the moon
was so bright that we should certainly have been seen had we attempted
to pass their camp; but clouds were gathering in the sky, and we hoped
that before long the moon would be obscured, when we might slip by on
the opposite side unobserved. We therefore took advantage of the offer
the Indians had made us, and occupied their hammocks; while they sat
round the fire talking, and finishing the remains of the stew. Lion had
come in for his share of the bones, and now lay down under my hammock
with his nose between his paws. The moment I looked out he lifted up
his head, showing that, if not wide awake, he was as vigilant as need
be, and ready to give notice should there be any