coming down,
she crept into it for shelter. No one was there. She had thrown a mat
over her, and had dropped off to sleep, when she was awakened by hearing
several persons talking. Although their dialect was very different from
her own, she could understand them. As she listened she became more and
more interested. They were speaking of a plot to surprise the whites,
and put them to death, so that not a Portuguese should remain in the
country. This plan, Oria understood, was very soon to be carried into
execution. Fanny and Ellen cross-questioned Oria, and seemed satisfied
that they clearly understood her. They then begged me to go and call
our father, that we might have his opinion before alarming our host and
hostess. I fortunately found him near the spot. He came to the
conclusion that Oria's opinion was to be relied on, and at once
determined to warn Senhor Pimento.

Soon afterwards I met Duppo. He drew me aside, with a mysterious look.
He, too, evidently had something which he wished to communicate. He in
vain, however, tried to find words to explain himself. Just then we
caught sight of the daughters of our host in the distance. He shook his
head at them, and then made signs that no good could come from living
with a family who could play with poisonous snakes with impunity; and
then pointed to the canoe, and urged us to go away from so dangerous a
neighbourhood. I felt sure, however, that he had some other reason,
which he was afraid to communicate. I told him so, and I asked him if
he did not believe that the natives in the neighbourhood were about to
attack the plantation. He looked surprised, evidently not being aware
that Oria had already warned my sisters. At last he confessed that such
was the case, and implored me earnestly to induce my family to fly. On
this I went in search of John, who had talked of going out to shoot. I
persuaded him, though not without difficulty, to remain at home, and
come and consult with our father. He had, in the meantime, found Senhor
Pimento.

"I am afraid that I shall be unable to persuade our Portuguese friend to
take precautions against an attack of the natives. He declares that
they have always been on good terms with him, and he sees no reason to
be alarmed," he observed.

"What, then, do you mean to do, father?" I asked.

"To take the wisest course," he answered. "I have directed Domingos and
Antonio to get the montarias ready, and to ascertai