ch I was well acquainted, and knew that if I could only reach a
certain point before being caught, I might take to the bush and cross
overland to my friend's hut here. That was early this morning. The
only trouble I had was that my wound was beginning to give me
considerable pain, and I felt losing strength for want of food. I had
scarce time to cat, much less to search for food, they pressed me so
hard. However, a man makes a hard struggle for life, so I tightened my
belt, and set to work with such good will, that I was soon a long way
ahead of them, and got out of sight at a place where the river takes a
number of bends and is full of small islands. At last, about noon, I
reached the desired point, paddled carefully in among the reeds, so as
to prevent the savages seeing where I had landed, jumped ashore, hid the
canoe, stepped out as hard as I could, and--here I am."

"But," exclaimed Lawrence, with some excitement, "if you left the
Indians so recently, won't they be close on your heels?"

"No fear. I came here in a straight line overland. By the windings of
the river they cannot be here, even at the soonest, before the afternoon
of to-morrow. But they will probably give up the chase long before
getting this length. Besides, if they did arrive, they would find a
warm reception from four well-armed men, instead of catching one poor
unarmed fugitive. But we won't give them the chance. We will be up and
away by daybreak. Tiger here has agreed to join us in our trip to
Buenos Ayres. He will take his wife and family down stream to his
father-in-law's tribe, where they will be safe till his return. Are you
all well, and ready for a start?"

"Yes, all well--and shall be ready as soon as you please."

"That's right. Where's Quashy?"

"Close alongside. Don't you hear him?"

Lawrence referred to a sound like the drone of a giant mosquito, which
proceeded from the negro's nose, for that worthy was a heavy sleeper--
when not in danger--and had not been disturbed by the arrival of the
guide.

Giving vent to a prolonged yawn, Pedro rose and stretched himself. Then
he went up to the sleeping Quashy and took him by the nose, at the same
time putting his hand on his mouth to smother the inevitable yell in its
birth. When sufficiently awake to be released with safety, the amiable
negro was permitted to raise himself, and when aware of who had grasped
him, he beamed with good-will, and gleamed with surprise.