to prevent running
against a bough or sunken trunk, as the least touch might have upset our
frail craft. Though we might easily have scrambled out, yet we should
have run the risk of losing our guns and wetting our ammunition; besides
which, an alligator might have been lurking near, and seized one of us
in its jaws before we could escape to land. These considerations made
us very careful in our navigation. After some time, we began to feel
sadly cramped from being unable to move. Oria sat quiet and silent,
close to her brother, somewhat surprised, I dare say, at finding herself
carried away by the three white strangers. John told us to keep our
tongues steady in the middle of our mouths, lest we should make the
canoe heel over; and, indeed, if we leant ever so slightly on one side
the water began to ripple over the gunwale. Duppo steered very
carefully; and I, having the bow paddle, kept a very bright look-out
ahead for any danger which might appear under water. I could not help
thinking of the big cow-fish we had seen, and dreading lest one of them
coming up the igarape might give the canoe an unintentional shove with
his snout, which would most inevitably have upset her.

Thus we went on. The lagoon was passed, and again we entered the
channel with the thick trees arching overhead. How cool and pleasant
was the shade after the heat of the sun to which we had been exposed in
the more open parts! As we approached the camp our anxiety to ascertain
that all was well increased. The nearer we got the more I longed to see
the smiling face of our dear little sister, and I thought of the
pleasure she would have when we introduced Oria to her. At length we
could see in the far distance the landing-place near the camp. In our
eagerness we forgot our caution, and very nearly sent the canoe under
water. "Be more careful, boys," cried John, though he was paddling as
hard as either of us. As we drew near I looked out for the raft at the
spot we had left her moored, but could not see her. An uncomfortable
misgiving came over me, yet I could not bear to think that any accident
had happened. I said nothing, and on we went.

"Why, where is the raft?" exclaimed John.

"Oh, perhaps Domingos has drawn her up on the bank," observed Arthur.

"That is more than he would have strength to do," said John. "Besides,
I can see the bank, and the raft is not there."

As we drew near we raised a shout to attract Domingos, True