endeavour to injure your friends;
and, as I have sworn to you, your friends shall ever be mine. I also
bring you intelligence that the Spaniards have been driven out of this
part of the country, and that General Bermudez, with a large body of
horsemen, occupies the senor padre's village, so that you and he may
return to your homes with safety."

He gave us this information while we were hastening back through the
valley, Gerald having by this time rejoined us. As may be supposed, it
was received with great satisfaction by our party--especially by the
padre, who was anxious to get back among his people, and to be actively
engaged in forwarding the cause to which he had devoted himself.

Fortunately, our animals had not suffered from the jaguars, though
Chumbo had seen the very creature which was so nearly pouncing down on
Kathleen, but had driven it off with firebrands. We at once, therefore,
made preparations for our departure.

"I am indeed thankful that we have suffered so little hardship," said my
mother; adding, as she looked up at the mountain above us, "and
especially so that we have not had to cross that terrible rope-bridge to
our citadel."

Though Kanimapo did not understand her remark, he observed her gesture.
"We may some day have to make use of yonder retreat," he said to me;
"and before we go I will remove the bridge, that none of our enemies may
discover it."

Calling to Candela, he at once descended the hill; and they returned
soon after with the rope and cradle, which they hid away in the cavern.

We were busily employed for the remainder of the day in collecting
fruit, killing game, and preparing for our journey.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

RETURN JOURNEY COMMENCED--NORAH'S CONFESSION--A BAMBOO-BRIDGE--
UNEXPECTEDLY PREVENTED FROM CROSSING--FOES AND FRIENDS APPEAR--THE
BRIDGE GAINED--A FIERCE STRUGGLE--I TAKE PART IN IT--WE DEFEAT THE
ENEMY--MY FAMILY RETURN HOMEWARDS UNDER AN ESCORT--I JOIN GENERAL
BERMUDEZ--THE DOCTOR AND THE PADRE PROMISE TO FOLLOW US--I ACCOMPANY THE
ARMY, AND WE ENCAMP ON THE PLAINS--THE DOCTOR APPEARS, AND REMAINS WITH
THE ARMY--OUR NUMEROUS EXPLOITS--CAPTURE OF CARACAS--I AM SENT WITH
DESPATCHES TO BOLIVAR--DISCOVERED BY THE ENEMY--A RACE FOR LIFE--I AM
WOUNDED AND CAPTURED--CARRIED TO LA GUAYRA--THROWN INTO PRISON.

The description I have given of the mountain-scenery amid which we
travelled on our flight from home, will in many respects serve for that
through which we pa