d before conjectured, that it was a platform
erected upon the branches of an enormous tree. In the centre burned a
fire, around which some thirty or forty natives were seated, while we
could distinguish others scattered about,--some on the branches, and
others on a mass of logs which formed a natural bridge at no great
distance from us. The light of the fire above showed us two men
standing on it. We dared scarcely move lest they should see us. What
they were about we could not ascertain, but it seemed to us that they
were watching for some one. Could they by any means have discovered our
approach, I thought it would not take them many minutes to cross the
stream and make their way to us. We could see no canoes. With a canoe
they might have speedily overtaken us without our having the slightest
chance of escape. Had Captain van Dunk and his companions come this
way, they must to a certainty have fallen into the hands of the savages.
We gazed up at the platform, and everywhere around--the figures of
natives alone met our sight. I had been standing a little way behind my
companions, who now drew back. I asked them what they thought about the
matter.

"This is not the main stream," answered Kallolo. "We must use great
caution in proceeding, as it cannot be far off; but I hope,
notwithstanding, that the captain managed to pass by without being seen.
We must remember, when we attempt to make the passage, to keep to the
right, which will carry us away from this spot."

Arthur was of Kallolo's opinion; he acknowledged that he should feel
very anxious till we had got a good distance from the encampment. It
could scarcely be supposed that the savages were without canoes; and
should they by any means discover that strangers were near them, they
would probably follow us.

Having now gained all the information we required, we agreed that it was
time to return, and accordingly set out, Kallolo leading, as before.
How he managed to guide us was more than I could discover, for I felt
very sure that I should immediately have lost my way, unless I had
turned constantly to observe the position of the camp. He went on
steadily, without once, as far as I saw, looking round. He took a
different course to that by which we had come; and though longer, it
seemed to me that we had fewer difficulties to encounter than before.
Perhaps we were more accustomed to them. We had, however, twice to swim
across portions of the flooded