"Mony thanks, sir, for your kindness."

Thus it was settled to Donalblane's satisfaction, but to the great envy
of others who would have liked to be in his place.

Bright and early the following morning the party set forth. It
comprised twelve of the Scots all fully armed, and half as many of
natives whose friendship had been already secured; these latter serving
in the double capacity of guides and bearers of the presents intended
to be given to the Indian chieftains. They were all in high spirits,
the hard work of founding St. Andrews having made a holiday very
welcome, while the novelty and interest of the trip certainly promised
to be sufficient to satisfy the most enterprising.

Mr. Sutherland kindly took Donalblane as his companion, and they
trudged along together, their attention alert for everything in nature
that was strange or beautiful. For the most part their route lay
through shadowy forests, into whose dim recesses the hot rays of the
sun never penetrated, with here and there a grassy glade that brought
them into sunlight again. They travelled at a leisurely pace and in
short stages, as they were not pressed for time, and Donalblane enjoyed
every moment. He was as happy as a hummingbird.

CHAPTER VIII.

A SUCCESSFUL EMBASSY.

During his previous visit to the Darien region Mr. Paterson had gained
some knowledge of the native language, and this now stood him and his
companions in good stead, as it caused them to be received not only
with kindness, but with honour, by the Indians when they met them.

It was towards the close of their second day's journey that the quick
ear of Donalblane, who was in the lead with the guides, caught a sound
that was different from anything he had hitherto heard.

"Eh! but is na that music?" he cried, turning to the nearest guide, who
smiled assent, although in truth he did not understand the question.
"I maun gang and tell Mr. Paterson;" and he raced back with the
information.

Mr. Paterson was very pleased at the news, for he understood it to mean
that the report of their expedition had preceded them, and that the
Indians were coming to welcome them in their own way; and so it proved,
for the music grew louder as they advanced, until, on entering one of
the long forest aisles, they beheld a group of musicians playing upon
reeds, accompanied by a chorus who joined in from time to time with a
kind of musical humming.

Donalblane's eyes opened wide at thi