e had become quite accustomed to our mode
of life, though we were somewhat anxious at the non-appearance of
Kanimapo. We could not suppose, after the faithful way in which he had
behaved, that he had purposely deserted us, so we began to fear that he
must have been captured by the Spaniards, or had met with some accident.
We believed, however, that we should have no difficulty in making our
way out of our happy valley, whenever we might wish to quit it. The
question was, how we should obtain information as to the state of
affairs in the country, and when it might be prudent for us to return
home.

At last I made up my mind to set off and learn how things were going on,
and either to make my way to our village, or to try and reach the
residence of Don Fernando. The doctor had no wish to quit the valley,
as he observed that he could spend many months in it, with infinite
satisfaction to himself and to the advantage of the scientific world;
but when, one day, I mentioned my resolution, he magnanimously offered
to accompany me.

"I, as a foreigner and a medical man, shall run no risk," he observed;
"and you can pass for my attendant or guide, and we shall be able to go
wherever you wish."

I thanked him for his offer, and said that I would try and obtain my
father's leave to set off; but still I waited, hoping that Kanimapo
would come back before long.

In the meantime we rambled at liberty through the valley, Gerald and I
often escorting Norah and Kathleen--sometimes even the children, with
Margarita, the younger nurse, accompanying us. One day, not content
with our ramble through the upper valley, Norah proposed that we should
visit the lower one, as she wished to make a sketch of the waterfall.
She forgot that, though Kanimapo considered it tolerably secure, he had
advised that the ladies, at all events, should limit their walks to the
upper valley.

"We will not go far," said Norah; "and we shall be sure to see Chumbo,
should he by chance come with a warning that danger is at hand."

The baby, I should say, had remained with our mother; Kathleen and Mary
had come with Margarita.

We managed, without much difficulty, to help our sisters to scramble
down the cliffs. Gerald said he would go forward and learn how Chumbo
was getting on; and as I wished to shoot some birds or any large game I
could meet with for our larder, I left my sisters seated in the shade,
at a spot from which Norah wished to make her view