will, during the day,
manufacture the ropes requisite for such a bridge. In the meantime, I
will leave Candela to carry across a supply of wood for firing, as well
as provisions."

To my surprise, Candela willingly undertook to do this, and, terrific as
the bridge appeared, crossed without hesitation; indeed, provided a
person has nerve enough, and the rope is sound, there is no difficulty
in crossing by one of these aerial bridges, which exist in all parts of
this mountainous region. They are formed in a variety of ways--some
consisting of six or more ropes--and sometimes even mules and horses are
dragged across suspended below them.

Gerald and I, having seen how to work the cradle, went across and
visited the cavern; in which, could we store it with provisions, we
agreed that we might set a whole host of enemies at defiance--for the
mouth was not to be seen from the opposite cliff, and no bullets could
reach it. A person might also be stationed, under shelter, close by the
rock to which the rope was fastened, so that he could cut it without
exposing himself to a shot from the opposite side.

These arrangements having been made, we rejoined our party. From the
account we gave of the citadel, as we called it, the general wish was
that we might not be compelled to take refuge there.

Gerald laughed at the fears the doctor and the padre expressed that they
should not be able to get across.

"It is not a bit worse than taking a good swing," he answered; "all you
have to do is to haul away, keep your eyes fixed on the sky, and forget
that you have got two or three hundred feet between you and the earth."

"That is the very thing, my friend, which it is difficult to do,"
observed the doctor. "Neither could I forget that the rope might
possibly give way, nor that I might grow giddy and let go my grasp."

We then explained that the Indian intended to carry over several ropes,
and that, consequently, some of the contingencies could not occur.

"That one might happen, would be quite sufficient to make the passage
disagreeable," observed the doctor; "so I heartily hope that we may not
have to cross."

Our friend Kanimapo was indefatigable; he was evidently very proud of
the confidence placed in him, and he showed that he was fully equal to
the responsibilities he had assumed. He was employed all day--either in
shooting birds or monkeys, of which there were several species in the
woods, or in watching the approach