the
objects of the patriots, the Goahira Indians, whose territory was at no
great distance from Cervanos, had been induced to side with the
Royalists. Several severe encounters had already taken place between
them and the patriots, and it was expected that they would before long
attack the fort itself. Our friend the commandant described them as a
peculiarly savage and warlike race, possessing more than the usual
intelligence of the native tribes, and able to bring several thousand
men into the field.

"I hope that they may not be induced to attack Cervanos," observed my
uncle; "though I doubt not that your soldiers would fight bravely, it is
but a small place to resist so powerful a force."

"We shall give a good account of them if they venture to come," answered
the commandant gaily; "we fear neither them nor any troops the Spaniards
can bring against us. We have scouts out in all directions to give due
notice of their approach, and are not likely to be taken by surprise.
Some of the scouts are Indians, others Sambos or whites; but we depend
most on the Indians, who know the habits of their people, and are likely
to bring us the most correct intelligence of their movements."

After further conversation we retired to our room--I cannot say to our
couches; for, with the utmost wish to be hospitable, the commandant
could supply us with neither bedsteads nor bedding. Our saddles, which
were to be used in our overland journey, served us for pillows; and some
horse-cloths and cloaks answered the purpose of mattresses and
coverlets. Notwithstanding this, we should have slept soundly enough
had it not been for the mosquitoes, which hummed round our ears all
night, darting down and running their trunks into every spot they could
find exposed. It was a severe lesson, and reminded us that we must
obtain mosquito-curtains to surround out beds at night, or we should be
eaten up before we had performed half our voyage.

CHAPTER TWO.

ALLIGATOR OR SHARK--A SHOOTING EXPEDITION--WE WITNESS THE DEATH OF A
SCOUT--MAKE OUR ESCAPE--PREPARATIONS FOR OUR VOYAGE UP THE RIVER--
NIGHT--AROUSED BY AN ATTACK ON THE FORT--INDIANS ENTER IT--ESCAPE TO THE
BOAT--FOLLOWED BY THE DOCTOR--VOYAGE ACROSS THE LAKES--CAMP ON THE SHORE
OF THE LAKE--THE DOCTOR SHOOTS AN ALLIGATOR--PURSUED BY INDIANS--ENTER
THE MAGDALENA--BEAUTIFUL SCENERY--MAGNIFICENT TREES--GAY FLOWERS--
GORGEOUS PLUMAGE OF BIRDS--THE DOCTOR CATCHES AN ALLIGATOR--VOYAGE
CONT