e one
shot before. The men were set at work to skin the deer, and the cook cut
out the best parts of the two swine. There was plenty of salt pork in
the stores, so that the sides were not needed.

Achang kept himself very busy in his workshop. He had a difficult job on
his hands; for he had to skin the fingers and toes of the animal, and to
keep every part in its original shape. Captain Scott went to the wheel
as soon as he came on board, and started the engine. Clingman reported
the depth of water the same as when the party went on shore. By backing
and going ahead a short distance at a time, he got the boat about, and
headed her for the river.

The water was deep enough, and there was no particular difficulty in the
navigation, though he was to follow the course he had taken at first. He
had carefully observed the shape and location of the trees, and the
stream was reached in a short time. Louis declared that it was a great
pity they could not remain near the high ground, for he had no doubt
that plenty of game would have been found.

"It seems to me that we have got all the game we want," said Scott.
"What could we do with a couple more deer and a brace of wild hogs?"

"Perhaps you are right; but the fellows want to hunt, though I think I
have had enough of it. I enjoy the sailing up this river, and it will be
pleasant to explore the lakes farther up the stream," added Louis.

"I hope we shall get to some place where we can do some fishing for a
change; besides, I am fish hungry," replied Scott.

"Most of the fishing here is done with the tuba plant; and I think it is
mean to stupefy the fish, and then pick them up on the top of the water.
But the river is clearer up this way, and we will drop our lines when we
come to a good place."

"If you want to do any more shooting just now, there is a flock of
long-noses" (by which he meant proboscis monkeys), said the captain, as
he pointed to them.

"We have one good specimen of that creature, and I don't want any more
at present; but I would give something to know why they prefer to be in
trees which grow out of the water," added Louis.

"I give it up, for I don't see any reason for it; but I suppose the
long-nose understands the matter himself, and he won't tell us. Here we
are at the river."

The captain rang the speed-bell as the steamer entered the stream where
it was only thirty feet wide. There was a considerable current, and the
screw-pines were densely p