BY A FRIAR, WHO PROVES TO BE AN OLD FRIEND--ESCAPE--
REACH THE "FLYING FISH"--JOINED BY THE DOCTOR AND PADRE--VOYAGE UP THE
ORINOCO--LAND AT ANGOSTURA--PROCEED ON IN A CANOE--SCENES ON THE RIVER--
ADVENTURE WITH PECCARIES--TURTLE-CATCHING AT NIGHT--HUNT FOR TURTLES'
EGGS--MODE OF OBTAINING OIL FROM THEM--ALLIGATORS AND VULTURES--LAND AND
PROCEED TO THE CAMP.

In spite of the kindness I was receiving from the governor, I could not
help recollecting that I might at any time be led out and shot, or be
put to death in a more ignoble way. My wound, too, did not heal; and at
last I tried to persuade the jailer to take a message to the governor,
requesting that I might be attended by a surgeon. The man shrugged his
shoulders,--observing that he believed no surgeons were to be found in
the place, and, as far as he could judge, a father-confessor would be a
more fitting visitor.

"You think, then, that I am about to die?" I asked.

"To tell you the truth, senor, I believe that if you don't die of your
wound, you will, very shortly, in some other way," he replied, giving a
sardonic grin. "General Morillo is expected here. He is sure to order
a jail delivery, as we cannot take charge of more than a certain number
of prisoners; and it is said that we shall soon have a fresh arrival of
captured rebels."

This information was not very consolatory; it made me doubly anxious to
get well, that I might try to effect my escape, so I again pressed the
jailer to obtain the favour I asked. He consented; and next day, when
he visited my cell, he told me that the commandant had sent into the
town to ascertain if a surgeon was to be found, and if so that he would
be allowed to visit me. The jailer, however, again urged me to see a
confessor, in case I should die. I did not say that I certainly should
not confess to him if he came, but merely remarked that I would prefer
having a surgeon; who might at all events let me know should he think my
case hopeless--and if not, try to cure me.

Some days passed by; and my wound remained in the same state as before,
causing me much suffering. At last, one forenoon the door opened, and
instead of my jailer, whom I had expected, I saw a tall figure, with a
cloak over his shoulders, and a slouched hat, standing in the doorway.

"Here is the surgeon come to do what he can for you," said the jailer,
who put his head in behind the stranger. "Take my advice, and as soon
as he is gone let me brin