had the effect Guapo desired; the consent was
given, and the gravatana was pointed diagonally upwards. Once more
Guapo's cheeks were distended--once more came the strong, quick puff--
and away went the arrow. The next moment it was seen sticking in the
neck of one of the monkeys.

Now, the one which Guapo had aimed at and hit was that which had grasped
the tree on the opposite side with its arms. Why did he choose this
more than any other? Was it because it was nearer, or more exposed to
view? Neither of these was the reason. It was, that had he shot any of
the others in the string--they being supported by their tails--it would
not have fallen; the tail, as we have already seen, still retaining its
prehensile power even to death. But that one which held on to the tree
by its fore-arms would in a second or two be compelled from weakness to
let go, and the whole chain would drop back on the near side of the
igaripe. This was just what Guapo desired, and he waited for the
result. It was necessary only to wait half-a-dozen seconds. The monkey
was evidently growing weak under the influence of the _curare_, and was
struggling to retain its hold. In a moment it must let go.

The araguato at the "tail-end" of the bridge, not knowing what had
happened, and thinking all was right for swinging himself across,
slipped his tail from the branch just at the very same instant that the
wounded one let go, and the whole chain fell "souse" into the water!
Then the screaming and howling from those on shore, the plunging and
splashing of the monkeys in the stream, mingled with the shouts of Leon,
Guapo, and the others, created a scene of noise and confusion that
lasted for several minutes. In the midst of it, Guapo threw himself
into the canoe, and with a single stroke of his paddle shot right down
among the drowning monkeys. One or two escaped to the bank, and made
off; several went to the bottom; but three, including the wounded one,
fell into the clutches of the hunter.

Of course roast-monkey was added to the supper; but none of the
travellers slept very well after it, as the araguatoes, lamenting their
lost companions, kept up a most dismal wailing throughout the whole of
the night.

CHAPTER FORTY NINE.

THE MANATI.

The araguatoes, with dried plantains and cassava, were the food of our
travellers for several days after. On the evening of the third day they
had a change. Guapo succeeded in capturing a very la