asked Uncle Richard, under the
idea that those creatures frequented the stream.

"There are few above the rapids, and those only of small size," answered
Pacheco; "if one comes near me, he will feel the point of this bamboo."

Resting his chest on the stout pieces of cane, and striking out with his
hands and feet, he made rapid progress towards the opposite shore. At
length Juan saw him coming, and at the same time observed us waving,
though he might not have known who we were. He probably guessed,
however, that we were friends, and that the Indian was coming across to
speak to him, for he rode towards the spot where our guide was about to
land.

Pacheco gave Juan the note, and I saw him take a paper from his pocket
and write an answer, which he delivered to the Indian, who, without
stopping to rest, recrossed the river. Once I saw him give a dig with
his bamboo, but the object at which he aimed was not visible. It might
have been an alligator, or a water-snake, or a big fish; but it seemed
to concern him very little, for he again came towards us, and landed in
safety.

I eagerly took Juan's note.

"I will wait for you," it ran. "Come across, if you can find a canoe;
if not, wave your handkerchief, and I will have a raft formed, and come
for you. No time for more.--Juan."

As Pacheco assured us that we were not likely to find a canoe within a
considerable distance, I at once made the sign agreed on, whereupon I
saw Juan's men immediately begin to cut down with their manchettes a
number of large canes which grew near. These they bound together with
sipos, and in a very short time a raft sufficiently large to bear
several persons was formed. The thick ends of some of the canes were
shaped into scoop-like paddles, and Juan with four of his men at once
embarked and commenced the passage of the river. As soon as the raft
was sufficiently near the shore he sprang to the land, and embraced
Uncle Richard and me. He looked paler and considerably older than when
we last parted, and as if he had seen much hard work.

Uncle Richard's first question was, very naturally, for his wife and
daughter; and I too asked after my family.

"They are still residing among the mountains, among some faithful
Indians, with Paul Lobo as their guardian. Dr Sinclair thinks it
prudent to keep in hiding while the Godos occupy Popayan, in case the
monster Murillo should order his arrest. I lately heard that he was
well, in spite o