reed to this; indeed, the valley, though it had its
attractions, was not the place we should have wished to live in for any
length of time. Unless actually tracked, we were not likely to be
discovered, as the opposite heights were inaccessible, and we were
completely hidden, owing to the form of the rocks and the overhanging
trees, from any one passing on the hills above us. We thus considered
that we need not apprehend danger during the few hours it was necessary
to remain encamped on the spot. There was an abundance of grass, too,
for our horses and mules; and the venison we had brought with us was
provision sufficient for a couple of days at least.

I have so often described our night-encampments that I need not mention
the arrangements we made on the present occasion. I was much struck by
the romantic beauty of the scene: the cascade in the distance; the rapid
stream rushing and foaming below us; the lofty mountains rising in
front, and the rich vegetation which clothed the cliffs behind; the huts
nestling under the trees; the blazing fire, surrounded by our party; the
animals grazing on the green turf which carpeted the ground. There was
sufficient danger to create some excitement, and yet not enough to
prevent us from enjoying our supper and entering into an animated
conversation. The padre and the doctor chiefly engaged in it, and
afforded us much amusement; Kanimapo also occasionally took a part. We
were speaking of the monkeys of the country, some of which possess
wonderful intelligence; and the padre described one which had learned to
sit at table and use a knife and fork, and would drink wine out of a
cup, and bow to the company.

"Have you ever heard of the salvaje, or wild man of the woods,--who
builds a house for himself, and sometimes carries off people to dwell
with him when he wants companionship, and occasionally eats them if he
is hungry?" said the padre.

"Has anybody seen him?" asked the doctor; "for until I see him I shall
refuse to believe in his existence."

"I cannot say that I ever saw him," answered the padre; "but I have
known people who have found the traces of his feet, the toes of which
are turned backwards; and others have caught sight of him peeping from
among the boughs of a tree."

"Who can doubt about him?" exclaimed the Indian, who had hitherto
remained silent. "My people, and those who dwell on the upper waters of
the Orinoco to the ocean on the north, know very well al