vigour given by a night's rest
in the pure fresh air, and away down to the river side to have a bath
before breakfast.

Then, just as flecks of orange were beginning to appear, Aunt Georgie
came out of the tent tying on an apron before picking up a basket, and
in a businesslike way going to the fire, where she opened the canister,
poured some tea into a bit of muslin, and tied it up loosely, as if she
were about to make a tea-pudding.

"Too much water, Samuel," she said; "pour half away."

Sam German lifted down the boiling kettle, and poured half away.

"Set it down, Samuel."

"Yes, mum," said the man obediently; and as it was placed by the fire,
Aunt Georgie plunged her tea-bag in, and held it beneath the boiling
water with a piece of stick.

Just then the captain and Uncle Jack appeared from where they had been
inspecting the horses.

"Morning, auntie," said the former, going up and kissing the
sturdy-looking old lady.

"Good-morning, my dear," she replied; "you needn't ask me. I slept
deliciously, and only dreamed once about that dreadful black man.--
Good-morning, John, my dear," she continued, kissing Uncle Jack. "Why,
you have not shaved, my dear."

"No," he said gruffly, "I'm going to let my beard grow."

"John!" exclaimed Aunt Georgie.

"Time those girls were up," said the captain.

"They'll be here directly, Edward," said the old lady; "they are only
packing up the blankets."

"Oh!" said the captain; "that's right. Why, where are the boys gone?"

"Down to the river for a bathe, sir," said German.

"What! Which way?" roared the captain.

"Straight down yonder, sir, by the low trees."

"Quick, Jack, your gun!" cried the captain, running to the wagon,
getting his, and then turning to run in the direction pointed out; his
brother, who was accustomed to the captain's quick military ways, and
knowing that he would not give an order like that if there were not dire
need, following him directly, armed with a double gun, and getting close
up before he asked what was the matter.

"Matter?" panted the captain. "Cock your piece--both barrels--and be
ready to fire when I do. The boys are gone down to the river."

"What, are there really savages there?"

"Yes," said the captain, hoarsely; "savages indeed. Heaven grant we may
be there in time. They have gone to bathe, and the river swarms for a
long way up with reptiles."

Uncle Jack drew a deep breath as, with his gun at the trail, he trot