to
Arthur; while Tim insisted on standing sentry at the entrance of the
passage till the return of Camo, who had gone to look after his
companions. We had great difficulty in keeping awake, and even Tim
found it a hard matter not to drop down on the ground; but a sense of
duty triumphed over his natural desire for rest, and he kept pacing up
and down with his stout shillelagh in his hand, ready to do battle with
any foes, either human or four-footed, which might approach our retreat.
We also kept the guns ready, not to defend ourselves against our
pursuers, for that would have been madness, but to shoot any wild beast
which might approach us.

"It's as well to be prepared," observed Arthur. "But though there are
jaguars and pumas on the mainland, I am doubtful whether they exist in
Trinidad."

"I have heard that most of the animals on the opposite shore of South
America are to be found in this island," I answered. "Both the jaguar
and puma steal silently on their prey; and if one of them were to find
us out, it might pounce down into our midst before we were prepared to
defend ourselves. It will not do to risk the chance of there being no
such animals in the island. Should we arrive at the conclusion that
there are none, I should be very sorry to find, by positive proof, that
we were wrong!"

"Well, at all events, we will act on the safe side," observed Arthur.
"It is wise to be prepared, even though we may find that our care has
been unnecessary."

An hour or more might have passed, when we heard a rustling in the
neighbouring bushes. Arthur and I started to our feet, and Tim clutched
his shillelagh more firmly. We listened. The sound came from the
bottom of the path leading up to our hiding-place. We waited in perfect
silence, for it was too dark to observe anything; but presently our ears
caught the sound of light footsteps approaching, and, much to our
relief, we heard Camo's voice.

"All right!" he exclaimed. "The alguazils have turned back, afraid of
trusting themselves to this part of the country in the dark. We may now
all rest in quiet, for no one is likely to come near us--for some hours,
at all events."

This was satisfactory, and honest Camo and his two followers assured us
that they would keep the necessary watch while we rested. Scarcely had
a minute elapsed after this when Arthur and I were fast asleep; and I
suspect that Tim was not long in following our example.

Daylight streamin