the swamp plenty of cool, clear water was found, and with this Jake
filled the two bottles, all they had in which to carry a supply of the
precious liquid.

At noon a long halt was made, and when the sun began to decline the
weary march was resumed.

By no means the least of the travelers' suffering was caused by thorns,
and to one who has never had any experience of this sort, a description
of the various spines and needles which project from the strange plants
in these vast forests would seem exaggerated.

They are of all sizes and shapes, and in many places actually prevent a
man from making his way through the foliage even though he be armed with
a machete. Oftentimes it is absolutely necessary to make a long detour
in order to avoid the painful obstructions, and before half of this
day's journey was finished all three of the castaways bore bloody
evidence of what these natural bristles can do.

The siesta was decidedly abridged, for Jake realized the importance of
concluding the tramp as quickly as possible, and the afternoon was but
little more than half ended when, to the intense surprise of all, they
suddenly arrived at a clearing in the very midst of the forest.

After wandering among the luxuriant vegetation the travelers were almost
startled at seeing an avenue of banana trees which had evidently been
planted by the hand of man, and, following it up, the little party were
yet more surprised at seeing a white man swinging idly in a hammock.

Jake advanced as if unable to believe the evidences of his own senses,
and said hesitatingly:

"We had no intention of intruding, sir; but followed the line of banana
trees without the slightest idea of finding a gentleman's home."

"Don't apologize," the stranger replied in good English, and springing
to his feet as if in alarm. "It is true that I am not in the habit of
receiving callers in this out-of-the-way place; but those of my own race
are none the less welcome. Will you walk into the house?"

The boys peered through the foliage where, after some difficulty, they
saw a small cabin, hardly large enough to be called a dwelling, and Jake
replied quickly:

"We would prefer to remain here. Having walked since sunrise, you can
fancy that any place in which to rest our legs without fear of coming in
contact with a scorpion or a snake is grateful."

"I can't promise that you won't be troubled by such visitors; but you
are welcome to do as you choose."

Jake th