l thanked Sambo for coming; and had the two
Indians returned, would at once have set out with him. He, however,
required some rest and food, and was not disposed, he confessed, to
start immediately. Uncle Paul, on this, proposed that Marian should
commence the voyage without delay, with our father and Arthur as her
attendants. I should have liked to go; but Arthur was a better swimmer,
and was stronger than I was, and would thus be more able to take care of
her. Marian, who was ever willing to do what was thought best, now,
with Uncle Paul's assistance, took her seat on the raft; while my father
and Arthur, descending from the bough into the water, placed themselves
on either side of it, resting one hand on it, while with the other they
struck out. Before they had gone far, they found the water far
shallower than we had expected, and they were thus able to wade on, and
make good progress.

I could not help wishing that I had gone with them, to share the
difficulties and dangers they might meet.

In a short time they were hidden by the overhanging boughs and mass of
creepers, which descended to the surface of the water. I expressed my
fears to Sambo.

"Don't trouble yourself about the matter, Massa Guy," he answered.
"They will get on very well, and there are plenty of places to rest on;
besides, we shall soon overtake them, and before long get safe on board
the raft."

Still I felt anxious, and asked Sambo if he would consent to accompany
me, when he had rested sufficiently, should Uncle Paul not object to our
starting.

"With all my heart," he answered; "but I hope before long that Kallolo
and Maco will come back, and then we may all set off together."

We waited and waited, however, and still neither of the Indians
appeared. Uncle Paul was himself beginning to grow anxious about them,
still he felt very unwilling to start until they returned. At length I
asked him if he would allow me to go on with Sambo, telling him my
anxiety about Marian, my father, and Arthur.

"It is very natural," he observed. "At the same time, I believe that
they are as safe as they would be if we were all with them. However, if
you still wish to go, I will not object to your doing so; and Tim and I
will follow with the two Indians as soon as they return."

Thanking him for the permission he had given me, I got my floats ready,
and asked Sambo if he was prepared to start.

"Yes," he said, "all ready, Massa Guy;" and raisin