.
I observed that some of the latter gave a slight pinch, as they went
along, to the backs of the big fellows, who could not, of course,
retaliate. Probably the rascals took this opportunity of revenging
themselves for the sundry beatings they had received for their
misconduct on various occasions.

When the whole tribe had passed over, with the exception of the living
chain, the monkey holding on to the upper bough on our side let go,
while those who had hitherto been holding on by the opposite lower
branch began rapidly to scramble up the tree, so that the brave old
fellow who had borne for the whole time the weight of his companions was
for a minute in the water. Once safe, the whole of them scampered away
amid the boughs, uttering loud shrieks, and apparently well-satisfied at
having placed the river between themselves and us. We stood watching
them, laughing heartily at their strange proceedings. Curiosity,
however, soon again gained the victory over their fears, and they came
back, peering at us amid the foliage; while we could see the young ones
running up and down the vines, and playing all sorts of antics. We
forgot, for the moment, our grief, and the dangerous position in which
we were placed.

These monkeys are known by the name of "ateles," or "spider-monkeys;"
and certainly their long thin arms and legs, and longer tails, greatly
resemble the legs of spiders.

They continued to watch us, but did not recross the river, being
evidently satisfied that they were safe on the further side; though, had
I been anxious, I might easily have brought down one or two of them.
Marian, however, charged me not to fire; indeed, it would have been
almost like murder to have killed such apparently intelligent creatures.

After watching them for some time, we turned our steps towards our
retreat; and as we made our way through the forest, I added several more
birds to stock of provisions.

CHAPTER THREE.

JOSE APPEARS--INTELLIGENCE OF OUR FATHER--HIS ARRIVAL--CATCHING THE
MANATEE--SEARCH FOR A BOAT--JOSE'S TREACHEROUS DESIGN FRUSTRATED BY AN
ANACONDA.

We had already spent a week at our retreat, and no opportunity had as
yet occurred of making our escape. So far as we could tell, we might
live on where we were for many months without being discovered, if we
could provide ourselves with food. That, of course, was a very
important point. We might kill animals enough to supply ourselves with
meat; but we req