hat floods sometimes swept along the low flat jungle, where we with
some difficulty forced our way; and at last, almost overcome by the heat
and excitement, we came suddenly upon one of the broad sluggish streams
that intersect the vast forest lands, and go to form the vast water
system of the Orinoco. The stream, in spite of its sombre current and
the desolation of its muddy banks, whispered to us hope and escape from
the pursuit that might be now even pressing upon our heels.

My uncle and I hurried forward to scan the bank, ready to shoot at any
noxious reptile that might show fight. But we were not called upon to
fire; for though a couple of large crocodiles scuttled off into the
water, and once or twice there was a sharp rustling amongst the reeds,
we were unmolested; and bringing forward our weaker companions, we made
a temporary halt.

Now it is quite possible that, had I been a naturalist, I might have
called the horrible reptiles that abounded in these muddy streams by
some other name than crocodile; but even now, after consulting various
authorities, I am not quite satisfied as to the proper term. The
English of the district always called them crocodiles, and to me they
certainly seemed to differ from the alligator or cayman, whose
acquaintance I afterwards made amongst the lagoons of the Southern
United States.

But to return to our position on the river bank.

We knew that there was no time to be lost; and having cut a few stout
bamboos, we inflated the four skins we had, but not without some
difficulty, as they required soaking, and the tying up of one or two
failing places.

Our little raft was at length made, and, provided with a couple of
poles, afforded easy means of escape for three--at a pinch for four.

And now came the arrangements for the gold.

It seemed cruel, but, situated as we were, what else could we do? I did
not like the plan, but could see no alternative; so with Tom's aid the
mules were unloaded, and we led the poor brutes into the leafy screen,
so that Lilla and her mother might not be witnesses of how they were to
be offered up for our safety.

For our plan was this--to slay the poor beasts, and with their inflated
skins to try and make a raft that should bear Tom, myself, and the gold.

My heart failed me as the faithful brutes, that had brought us thus far,
turned their great soft eyes up to mine, and for a few minutes I
hesitated, trying to think out some other plan for