species; and not
being so particular as we were, they cut one of them up, and, after
having hung the pieces in the sun for a short time, ate it for dinner.
We, however, contented ourselves with the fruits and nuts which had been
collected in the morning. After having rested for some time, we again
took to our paddles, and, the breeze remaining fair, the rafts made good
progress. We earnestly hoped that the wind would continue in the same
quarter, as we might thus before nightfall reach the spot where Captain
van Dunk and Peter had been left.

We now entered the igarape Sambo had described. As it was tolerably
broad, and the wind still favoured us, we quickly got through it, and
entered another lake somewhat similar to the one we had left. With much
satisfaction we heard Sambo announce that in another half hour we should
reach the end of our voyage. We paddled on even more eagerly than
before, hoping soon to be shaking the honest skipper and his mate by the
hand, and thinking how pleasant it would be to sleep comfortably in a
hut, and to sup well-cooked provisions.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

A JOYFUL MEETING--THE NEW SETTLEMENT--A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE--KALLOLO MAKES
A BLOWPIPE AND WOORALI POISON--PROGRESS OF OUR VESSEL--MEET WITH A
JAGUAR--EFFECT OF TIM'S POLITENESS.

As we sailed along about a hundred yards off the mighty trees whose
branches overhung the lake, we looked out eagerly for the settlement our
two friends had, we hoped, formed on the shore. Water-lilies with
enormous leaves floated on the surface, showing that the depth could not
be great. On the lower branches of the trees, and here and there where
points of land ran out into the lake, were numerous magnificent birds.
Among them, the scarlet ibis and roseate spoonbill excelled all others
in gorgeousness of colouring. The ibises were of the brightest scarlet,
except that the tips of their wings were black; the spoonbills were
equally beautiful, their general colour being a delicate rose-tint, with
a rich lustrous carmine on their shoulders and breast-tufts; the
formation of their bills was also very singular. We saw them fishing
for shrimps and other small creatures along the edges of the water. The
wood ibis is larger than either of the other two; its general plumage is
white, the tips of the wings and the tail being of a purplish-black. I
cannot, however, attempt to describe the various birds of which we
caught sight as we glided along. We were sa