ians
crossed the larger river, and pulling up for some short distance, we
entered a creek thickly shaded by trees. Here there was no risk of
being seen by enemies on the other shore. Pacheco, who had engaged to
act as our guide, landed with us, and gave directions to his people to
wait his return.

The stream by which we had entered the Cauca had carried us much further
down the course of that river than we had intended to go; we had,
therefore, now to make our way up it before we struck westward to Oro,
the town at which I had arranged to meet Mr Laffan. Our guide advised
us to continue along the bank of the river, as we should thus make our
way more easily than by striking diagonally across the country. Having
carefully husbanded our powder and shot, too, we were enabled to supply
ourselves amply with food; and we were never in want of wild fruits
which in most countries would be considered very delicious.

It was towards the evening of the second day, and we were about to
encamp, when Antonio, who had gone down to fill a calabash with water at
the river, came back saying that he had seen a small party of cavalry,
who had come down to let their horses drink.

"Are they Spaniards?" asked Uncle Richard.

"No, senor; they appear to me, by their dress, to be Patriots."

On this we all crept down to the bank, keeping under shelter, to observe
the strangers; and on seeing them we were convinced that Antonio was
right. While I was looking I observed another horseman, who by his
dress appeared to be an officer, join the people, and on watching his
movements I felt almost certain that he was my friend Juan. So
convinced was I of this, that I advanced to the water's edge and hailed
him; but the noise of the horses prevented him hearing my voice. "What
would I give to communicate with him!" I exclaimed. "Is no canoe to be
found near, by which we can cross the stream?"

I explained my wishes to Pacheco.

"If you are certain that they are friends, I will swim across," answered
Pacheco.

I assured him of this, and hastily wrote a note to Juan, begging him to
wait for me, and I would try to get across the river to join him.

Pacheco placed the note inside his hat, on the top of which he fastened
the short trousers and girdle he wore. He then cut two thick pieces of
bamboo, with a still larger piece pointed at both ends, and taking them
in his hand plunged into the water.

"Are you not afraid of the alligators?"