l. I felt as if I must run."

"So you did when the serpent came."

"Well, isn't it enough to make one? You English fellows have the credit
of being so brave that you will face anything without being frightened;
but I believe you are frightened all the same."

"Of course we are," said Rob, "only Englishmen will never own they are
frightened, even to themselves, and that's why they face anything."

"Then you are not an Englishman?" said Joe.

"No, only an English boy," said Rob, laughing. "I say, though, never
mind about bragging. I'm precious glad, whatever it was, that it has
gone."

"I remember, now, my father telling me about his hearing some horrible
noise in the Grand Chaco one night when the schooner was at anchor close
in shore. He said it gave him quite a chill; but I didn't take any more
notice of it then. It must have been one of those things."

"No doubt," said Brazier, who had overheard his words; "but there, our
adventure is over for this time, and it will be something to think about
in the future."

"Perhaps we shall see it yet," said Rob.

"I hope not," cried Joe uneasily.

"Gone, Naylor?" continued Brazier.

"Yes, sir, I think so."

"Good job too. Why, Naylor, my man, I never thought you were going to
bring us to such a savage, dangerous place as this."

"What? Come, sir, I like that! Says to me, you did, `I want you to
guide me to some part of the country where I can enter the prime
forest.'"

"Primeval," said Brazier, correctively.

"That's right, sir. `Where,' you says, `the foot of man has never trod,
and I may see Natur' just as she is, untouched, unaltered by any one.
Do you know such a place?' Them was your very words, and Master Rob
heered you."

"Quite true, my man."

"And I says to you, `I knows the spot as'll just suit you. Trust to
me,' I says, `and I'll take you there, where you may see birds, beasts,
and fishes, and as many o' them flowers'--orkards you called 'em--`as
grows on trees, as you like;' and now here you are, sir, and you
grumble."

"Not a bit, Naylor."

"But, begging your pardon, sir, you do; and I appeals to Master Rob
whether I arn't done my dooty."

"No need to appeal to Rob, Naylor, for I do not grumble. You have done
splendidly for me. Why, man, I am delighted; but you must not be
surprised at my feeling startled when anacondas come to supper, and we
are frightened out of our wits by cries that impress even you."

"Then you are sati