e it
will be better to do as he proposes."

We accordingly paddled on under Duppo's pilotage. Now that we were
exposed to the breeze blowing across the river, our heavily-laden canoe
could with difficulty contend with the waves, which, in spite of the
raised gunwale, every now and then broke into her. Had it not been for
the young Indian's thoughtful contrivance, we should inevitably have
been swamped. After going on for some distance, we reached the mouth of
another igarape. Just outside it, facing the river, was a small open
space, free of trees, with a fringe of rushes growing between it and the
water. With some little difficulty we forced the canoe through the
rushes, and we then, by scrambling up the bank, reached the spot I have
described. Duppo made signs to us that it was here he wished to remain
for the arrival of his father.

"We may as well do as he proposes then," said John, "and we will set off
and look for the raft. If we do not find it--which Heaven forbid!--we
will return and obtain the assistance of the Indians in making a more
extended search."

The spot was a very beautiful one, open entirely to the river in front,
while the trees behind, not growing so closely together as usual,
allowed the air to circulate--a very important consideration in that hot
climate. "It is just the place I should have chosen for an encampment
while we are searching for our father," said John. Arthur and I agreed
with him; but as we were eager to be off again, we had no time to talk
about the matter. Landing the greater part of the provisions, we
explained our intentions to our young friends. They understood us, but
seemed unwilling to be left behind. John also proposed that Arthur
should remain on shore. "I will do as you wish," he answered; "but I do
not like to be separated from you." While we were speaking, standing on
the bank, looking out over the river, he exclaimed, "See, see! what is
that speck out there towards the other side?" We eagerly looked in the
direction he pointed.

"I am afraid it is only the trunk of a tree, or a mass of grass floating
down," said John.

"Oh no, no! I am nearly sure there are people on it!" cried Arthur,
whose eyes, as we had found, were keener than ours.

"At all events, we will go towards it," cried John.

We hurried down and slipped into the canoe. "Yes; I know that you may
go faster without me," said Arthur. "You know what I should like to do;
but if it is