f at a
moment's notice. We accordingly prepared everything for a start; but as
the wind was still violent, there was but little chance of our getting
away that evening. We therefore, before dark, collected a good supply
of fuel, so that we had enough to maintain a blazing fire during the
hours of darkness.

As on the previous night, we kept vigilant watch. The earlier watches
were kept by the men, and my uncle and I agreed to take those of the
morning. I was to succeed him. When he called me, I got up and
examined the priming of my pistols, and, taking my gun in my hand, began
to pace up and down. My uncle, instead of lying down, joined me.

"I will keep you company, Barry," he said; "though the bright fire we
have had may have scared away the jaguars, it may have attracted the
notice of the Indians, and perhaps at daylight they may be coming this
way to ascertain its cause. The wind appears to have gone down
considerably, and we shall be wiser to shove off as soon as we have
light to see our way, without waiting for breakfast. I will put some
steaks to roast and we can eat them in the boat."

I replied that I thought his suggestion a good one; and while he was
occupied as he proposed, I kept marching up and down. Some time had
passed, when I fancied that I heard a rustling noise among some thick
bushes near me. I cocked my gun, ready to fire, and pointed it in the
direction from whence the sound I had heard proceeded. Uncle Denis,
seeing this, came forward, and we stood for some time watching the spot;
but as nothing appeared, we thought that we must be mistaken. Still, at
every turn I took an inquisitive look in that direction; and before long
I again heard the sound. I stepped back and told my uncle.

"If a jaguar or puma were there, the creature would come forward. I
suspect that some Indians are watching us; and if so, depend on it they
will have sent to collect their companions to attack us," answered my
uncle. "I will rouse up the men, and the sooner we get on board the
better."

He on this shook each seaman, and in a low voice told them to collect
the few things remaining on shore, and creep quietly down to the boat;
directing me to retire in the same direction. The men obeyed him, and I
followed, glancing round every now and then at the suspected point.
They had got out the oars, and I was in the act of stepping on board,
when a fearful yell rent the air. At the same moment a number of
ha