antics must have been
amusing enough to the natives, who not only tolerated the saucy
creatures, but looked upon them as sacred, and therefore regarded their
appearance on the scene as a favourable omen; in fact, nothing more
fortunate for the success of the embassy could have occurred. The
pawarress, or priests, were particularly pleased. So, too, was the
king; and when at last the monkeys, doubling up their chains again,
returned to the tree-tops and scampered off in high glee, both he and
the priests were ready to enter into negotiations.

A treaty was accordingly drawn up and ratified, whereby full freedom
was given to the Scots to settle in the land and enjoy it, and between
them and the natives there was declared to be peace "as long as rivers
ran, and gold was found in Darien." Then followed a banquet prepared
and served in true native style. The roast flesh of the peccary,
broiled fish from the mountain streams, and luscious fruit from the
trees all around composed the bill of fare; and the hungry visitors
needed no urging until there was produced the dish of honour, being a
huge lizard, called the iguana, carefully baked and served up with
tomato sauce.

One look at it was quite sufficient to make the Scotsmen suddenly lose
their appetites. With one consent they began to invent excuses for
letting the tempting dish go by them. All except Mr. Paterson. He had
tasted iguana before and knew it was not at all unsavoury. Moreover,
good manners required that this item should not be treated with
disgust. So he bravely helped himself to a goodly slice, and when it
came round to Donalblane, he, by way of atoning for his mistake in
regard to the monkeys, did likewise.

It was a hard job getting down the first morsel, but the flesh proving
white, firm, and of fine quality, with a flavour somewhat resembling
chicken, he actually managed to polish off his portion, being rewarded
therefor by a look of warm approval from Mr. Paterson.

The following morning the embassy set forth on their return to the
coast, attended by all the honours and marks of goodwill that had
marked their arrival; but before they reached their destination
Donalblane had an adventure that came within an ace of costing him his
life.

The purpose of their mission having been so satisfactorily
accomplished, Mr. Paterson readily assented to the request of his
companions, that they should linger on the way back in order to enjoy
some hunting