ave Iguma's life, we had no time
to spare. Already we could see a mass of black forms coming rushing
frantically towards the river flourishing their weapons, while the air
was filled with the cries they uttered. Two other canoes contained the
remainder of our party, Kendo being accompanied by a single faithful
attendant who had acted as his henchman and companion on all our hunting
expeditions. Just as they were on the point of shoving off, a white man
appeared on the bank, and without apparently even asking permission,
leapt into one of the canoes. Instantly she shoved off and came
paddling after us. Kendo shouted to us to go on and not stop for
anything; a piece of advice we saw the wisdom of following.

As Iguma was the chief object of the savages pursuit, it was of the
greatest importance to get her beyond their reach. She lay all this
time, I should have said, at the bottom of the boat, covered up with a
piece of matting, but she uttered no expressions of terror now that she
thought she was safe. Had we delayed another minute, not only would
Iguma have been captured, but we should ourselves very likely have lost
our lives. Scarcely had the other canoe got away from the shore, than a
vast multitude of infuriated natives, uttering the most fearful yells,
appeared on the banks. We naturally expected to be immediately
followed, but, as we looked astern, we saw no canoes being launched. We
were not aware at the time that Kendo had thoughtfully concealed all the
paddles, or had so injured the canoes that they were unfit to put off.
"Paddle on, paddle on," he kept shouting to us, and we were, as may be
imagined, well disposed to follow his advice. We wished, however, that
he had come with us, both to act as pilot and to assist in the defence
of his wife, for he was a brave fellow, and would certainly have fought
to the last. Though it was still daylight, evening was approaching. We
hoped during the darkness to get far beyond the pursuit of the savages,
who would, we felt sure, endeavour to obtain possession of Iguma, and to
wreak their vengeance on our heads for attempting to carry her off. Had
the course of the river been straight, there would have been no doubt
about our ultimate escape, but it made numerous bends, sometimes running
to the north, then to the south, then again to the west, so that it
would be a long time before we could get out of the territory owned by
King Kickubaroo. Now and then also th