rk, we landed on an island, where it was
proposed we should pass the night. There were but few trees in the
centre, the rest consisting of sand and rock. This spot had been
selected to avoid the risk of being surprised by unfriendly natives or
prowling jaguars. The canoes were hauled up, the goods landed, and
fires were lighted, round which we were soon seated taking our evening
meal. The Indians then cut a number of stout poles, which they drove
into the ground, forming a square, the roof being thatched over with
palm-leaves, extending some distance beyond the poles, so as to form
deep eaves. To these poles were hung up our hammocks, a small part
being, as usual, partitioned off for Ellen and Maria. This was our
usual style of encampment. When the trees grew sufficiently wide apart,
we sometimes secured our hammocks to them, with a roof such as I have
mentioned above our heads. The fires were kept up all night, and a
watch set to prevent surprise, should any unfriendly natives find us
out, and come across the river in their canoes. Isoro advised us always
to select an island for our night encampment. "Indeed," he observed,
"it would be safer never to land on the banks, if you can avoid so
doing."

Our Indians, besides their usual blow-pipes, had come provided with
harpoons and lines for catching fish. Generally, at the end of our
day's voyage, they would go out in the smaller canoe, and invariably
come back with a good supply.

Arthur and I, with True, one day accompanied Naro and two of his men.
While the Indians remained in the canoe, we landed and walked along the
sandy shore of the island. True ran before us, shoving his nose into
the tall reeds and rushes. Suddenly out he backed, barking furiously,
but still retreating, and evidently less disposed than usual for battle.
Fully expecting to see a huge anaconda come forth, Arthur and I retired
to a safe distance, while I got my gun ready to fire at the serpent when
he should appear. We stood watching the spot which True still faced,
when the reeds were moved aside, and the oddest-looking monster I ever
set eyes on came slowly forth, and for a moment looked about him. True
actually turned tail, and fell back on us for support. He would have
faced a lion, but the creature before him had not a vulnerable part on
which he could lay hold. It meantime, regardless of him or us, made its
way towards the water. It was as grotesque and unlike what we fancy a