CROSS A RIVER--PUT TO FLIGHT BY A
BOA-CONSTRICTOR--TRAVEL ALONG THE BORDERS OF A LAKE--SEE DR.
STUTTERHEIM--HE ACCOMPANIES US HOME--TAKES KANIMAPO IN HAND--THE FATE OF
DONNA PAOLA SALABRIATA--START ON A SHOOTING EXPEDITION WITH THE DOCTOR--
ENCOUNTER A HUGE ANACONDA--I SHOOT IT, AND SAVE THE DOCTOR--CARRY OFF
THE SKIN IN TRIUMPH.

We were now approaching my father's house, and I recognised several
points in the surrounding scenery. The northern end of the lake came
into view, bordered by lofty palms and other graceful trees, and I
remembered well the shape of the mountains which rose above it.

Tim kept a watchful eye on our prisoner, who, though badly wounded,
might still, he thought it probable, attempt to make his escape. He had
not spoken as yet, but I observed his dark eye wandering on every side,
either in the hope of rescue, or as if considering in what direction he
should fly, should he be able to free himself from the thongs by which
he was secured to the mule. I was surprised that his followers should
have deserted him in the cowardly way they had done. He was a
fine-looking savage, with features more refined and regular than those
of the Indians I had hitherto seen. But his countenance was sullen;
and, from his resolute aspect, he probably expected that he would meet
with the fate the Spaniards invariably inflicted on their captives, and
be immediately put to death on our arrival at our destination. I
suspect that he was in ignorance as to who we were, and supposed that we
belonged to a party of patriots; and if so, he must have been surprised
on discovering the smallness of our numbers.

Tim led his mule, constantly looking back to assure himself that he had
not succeeded in loosening the thongs which secured his arms and legs.
At the same time Tim continued talking to me, and pointing out various
objects which I thought I remembered.

At length he exclaimed,--"Sure, Masther Barry, there's the masther's
house; and mighty glad they'll all be to see you safe;" and he pointed
to a good-sized house with a broad verandah in front, shaded by trees,
and standing in the midst of a large, well-irrigated garden. Though
smaller than I had supposed, I at once knew the house to be that in
which I was born. "And beyond it there, higher up the hill, you see Mr
Concannan's mansion--Castle Concannan, we call it, you'll remember--and
a pretty dacent castle it is, with its high, thick walls and courtyard;
it would