er whom I took
to be the chief of the party, sat down opposite to me, the other two
placing themselves in the bow and stern of the boat which they drove
along by means of paddles. Then we started, followed by three other
canoes, and before we had gone a mile utter weariness overpowered me and
I fell asleep.

I awoke much refreshed, having slept many hours, for now the sun was
setting, and was astonished to find the grave-looking man my companion
in the canoe, keeping watch over my sleep and warding the gnats from me
with a leafy branch. His kindness seemed to show that I was in no danger
of ill-treatment, and my fears on that point being set at rest, I began
to wonder as to what strange land I had come and who its people might
be. Soon, however, I gave over, having nothing to build on, and observed
the scenery instead. Now we were paddling up a smaller river than the
one on the banks of which I had been cast away, and were no longer in
the midst of marshes. On either side of us was open land, or rather land
that would have been open had it not been for the great trees, larger
than the largest oak, which grew upon it, some of them of surpassing
beauty. Up these trees climbed creepers that hung like ropes even
from the topmost boughs, and among them were many strange and gorgeous
flowering plants that seemed to cling to the bark as moss clings to
a wall. In their branches also sat harsh-voiced birds of brilliant
colours, and apes that barked and chattered at us as we went.

Just as the sun set over all this strange new scene the canoes came to
a landing place built of timber, and we disembarked. Now it grew dark
suddenly, and all I could discover was that I was being led along a good
road. Presently we reached a gate, which, from the barking of dogs and
the numbers of people who thronged about it, I judged to be the entrance
to a town, and passing it, we advanced down a long street with houses on
either side. At the doorway of the last house my companion halted, and
taking me by the hand, led me into a long low room lit with lamps of
earthenware. Here some women came forward and kissed him, while others
whom I took to be servants, saluted him by touching the floor with one
hand. Soon, however, all eyes were turned on me and many eager questions
were asked of the chief, of which I could only guess the purport.

When all had gazed their fill supper was served, a rich meal of many
strange meats, and of this I was invited t