t with," said
Uncle Paul.

"Yes, yes, I am sure of that," said the captain. "Now, instead of
losing more time in talking, let us go to supper. We have some parrots
and macaws roasting, and a collection of ripe fruit for the little
maid."

"And we have brought some fine fish," I said, "to add to the feast."

"Then we will put them on the spit at once," observed the captain; on
which I ran down to the raft and returned with a big fish in each hand.
Peter, who acted as cook, with Sambo's assistance soon had the fish
cleaned and spitted, when the latter took his seat by the fire to keep
the various roasts turning.

Marian only partook of a little of the fish, and some cassava bread
which the captain had prepared and baked for her beforehand. He then
begged her to retire to her hut, and to take that rest she so much
needed. Her trunk, which had come on in the raft, enabled her to obtain
a change of clothing,--a luxury none of the rest of us could enjoy.

We all enjoyed the feast, however; for we were thoroughly tired, and
expected to obtain a comfortable night's rest after it. As soon as it
was over, we thankfully entered our hut, where we found that the captain
and Peter had thoughtfully collected a large supply of dry grass and
leaves for our use. I can truly say that I have never since slept more
soundly on feather-bed than I did during that first night in our new
settlement, as the skipper called it. I dreamed not of Indians, nor of
anacondas, nor of our long swim. Daylight was streaming in at the open
door when I awoke. I found the rest of the party, with the exception of
my father, on foot, and the captain giving directions to each one what
to do. My father was going to get up.

"No, no, my friend," said the skipper. "You are weary, and require a
long rest; we must excuse you from working until you have sufficiently
recovered to undertake it."

"But _I_ am ready to work," I said, springing to my feet. "Tell me what
to do and I will willingly perform it. If I had an axe I would quickly
begin to cut down a tree."

"Our first business will be to form tools to work with," answered the
captain. "We must search for big stones of a proper shape to serve as
hammers; although they are not common down here, they may be found in
the interior. We must then form wedges to split the trees, which Peter,
who is our best axe-man, will cut down. You will then find ample
employment in forming tree-nails with you