on the bank, and then rushed
forward to greet me. His delight was very great on being assured that
he was not mistaken; and he at once told me that his master was hiding
in the neighbourhood, being afraid as yet to return to his home.

"We first took to the mountains," he said; "but the padre found
scrambling among the rocky heights did not suit him. Besides which, we
had no firearms to shoot game, and I am no great hand with the bow and
arrow, so that we were almost starving. It was very tantalising to see
plenty of deer and pacas and birds, and not be able to get them; and at
last the padre resolved to risk coming down here, where I knew that I
could support him and myself by fishing, having fortunately some
fish-hooks in my pocket when we took to flight. Poor man! you wouldn't
know him, he has grown so thin,--though he has retained his health."

"If you will lead me to him, I will try to persuade him to accompany
us," I said. "My father will, I am sure, be glad of his society;" and I
then gave Candela a brief account of what had happened, and where we
proposed going.

Candela hesitated a moment. "The Senor Padre told me on no account to
let his retreat be discovered," he said; "but he has confidence in you,
and you may follow me. Stop when I tell you, and I will go forward and
ask his leave to bring you to him."

Candela then secured his fish, and, hiding his rod in the bushes, led
the way into the thick forest, crawling on his hands and knees under the
mass of creepers and branches--while I did the same.

At length he stopped at a spot under some lofty trees, through which the
beams of the moon could scarcely penetrate.

"Stay here, Senor Barry," he whispered, "and I will go forward and
prepare the Senor Padre for your coming."

In less than a minute I heard the padre's voice exclaiming,--"Yes, yes;
I will see him gladly. I long to give him an abrazo!"

Though thus sure of a welcome, I did not attempt to advance, as I
literally could not see in what direction to move without the risk of
running against the trunk of a tree, or stumbling over the roots.
Presently I heard Candela speaking close beside me. "Take my hand,
Senor Barry," he said, "and we will soon reach our abode. Stoop down
again, and creep after me till I tell you to stand up."

In a little he spoke again. "Take hold of this ladder. My master and I
have imitated the birds, and formed a nest for ourselves up in a tree;
no jaguars, sn