Part 14 (1/2)
We had carefully preserved our fis.h.i.+ng-lines and hooks, and Uncle Paul now distributed them between the two rafts. We got out ours as we went along, the rate at which we were moving not preventing us from having hopes that we might catch some fish. We were not disappointed. Before long I got a bite. The fish pulled l.u.s.tily, but as the tackle was strong, it could not break away; and after it had been pretty well drowned by being towed, Sambo a.s.sisted me to haul it in. When we had got the fish up to the raft, the black stooped down, and, at no little risk of toppling off into the water, lifted it on board. It must have weighed at least several pounds, and it resembled in shape the black fish of our northern regions. Kallolo afterwards told me that this fish is called the tambaki, and is one of the best in this part of the world.
The only pity was that we could not cook it till we reached dry land.
As, however, we hoped to do so before long, we again threw out our lines. In a few minutes we caught another fish of the same species, not quite so large. The Indians on the other raft had, in the meantime, caught three fish of similar size, but of a different species; and not being so particular as we were, they cut one of them up, and, after having hung the pieces in the sun for a short time, ate it for dinner.
We, however, contented ourselves with the fruits and nuts which had been collected in the morning. After having rested for some time, we again took to our paddles, and, the breeze remaining fair, the rafts made good progress. We earnestly hoped that the wind would continue in the same quarter, as we might thus before nightfall reach the spot where Captain van Dunk and Peter had been left.
We now entered the igarape Sambo had described. As it was tolerably broad, and the wind still favoured us, we quickly got through it, and entered another lake somewhat similar to the one we had left. With much satisfaction we heard Sambo announce that in another half hour we should reach the end of our voyage. We paddled on even more eagerly than before, hoping soon to be shaking the honest skipper and his mate by the hand, and thinking how pleasant it would be to sleep comfortably in a hut, and to sup well-cooked provisions.
CHAPTER TWELVE.
A JOYFUL MEETING--THE NEW SETTLEMENT--A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE--KALLOLO MAKES A BLOWPIPE AND WOORALI POISON--PROGRESS OF OUR VESSEL--MEET WITH A JAGUAR--EFFECT OF TIM'S POLITENESS.
As we sailed along about a hundred yards off the mighty trees whose branches overhung the lake, we looked out eagerly for the settlement our two friends had, we hoped, formed on the sh.o.r.e. Water-lilies with enormous leaves floated on the surface, showing that the depth could not be great. On the lower branches of the trees, and here and there where points of land ran out into the lake, were numerous magnificent birds.
Among them, the scarlet ibis and roseate spoonbill excelled all others in gorgeousness of colouring. The ibises were of the brightest scarlet, except that the tips of their wings were black; the spoonbills were equally beautiful, their general colour being a delicate rose-tint, with a rich l.u.s.trous carmine on their shoulders and breast-tufts; the formation of their bills was also very singular. We saw them fis.h.i.+ng for shrimps and other small creatures along the edges of the water. The wood ibis is larger than either of the other two; its general plumage is white, the tips of the wings and the tail being of a purplish-black. I cannot, however, attempt to describe the various birds of which we caught sight as we glided along. We were satisfied, however, that the forest and the water would supply us with an abundance of food.
”We shall have, however, no little difficulty in replacing our clothing,” I observed; ”though, as fortunately Marian's box has been saved, she will be better off than any of us.”
”I don't despair of being able to manufacture clothing sufficient for our wants,” said Uncle Paul,--”shoes, hats, and cloaks; but we must take to kilts when our trousers give way. We shall have, to be sure, somewhat the appearance of savages; but I hope that our manners will not become less civilised in consequence.”
”I can easily fancy how we can make dresses of leaves, or even of matting,” said Arthur; ”but how do you propose to manufacture shoes, unless we capture some wild beasts and tan their skins?”
”I propose to make shoes of a vegetable substance,” answered Uncle Paul.
”I have already seen some trees which produce it, and I have no doubt that we shall find others near our settlement. Every sailor knows how to make hats from gra.s.s or leaves; and the rest of our dresses must be made, as you suppose, of matting. Depend on it we shall have plenty of occupation when once we get on sh.o.r.e, in order to supply our necessities; and we may be thankful for it, as it will prevent us from dwelling unduly on our past misfortunes, or on the dangers and difficulties we may have yet to encounter.”
”I wish we were on sh.o.r.e, then,” I exclaimed; ”for I cannot help thinking of the past, and on the dangers which may yet be in store for us.”
”Rouse up, Guy,” exclaimed Uncle Paul. ”Your wish will soon be realised; for see yonder hut on the sh.o.r.e, and the captain and Peter standing ready to welcome us.”
We urged on our raft, and our friends beckoned to us to come to a part of the bank where we could most easily land. We made for it, and soon reached the sh.o.r.e. The captain and his mate Peter were standing ready to secure the raft.
”Welcome, friends, welcome to our new province of _terra firma_,”
exclaimed the former in a hearty tone, as he grasped Uncle Paul's hand.
Then stooping down, he lifted Marian in his arms and placed her safely on the beach, exclaiming--”And you, my pretty maid, I am rejoiced to see you safe after all the perils you have gone through.”
”Indeed I am very thankful to have arrived here,” answered Marian; ”for I feared that we should never see you again.” She had not before this said a word about the alarm she must have constantly felt during our pa.s.sage up the igarape.
”You don't look so much fatigued as I should have expected,” observed the captain; ”and a few days on sh.o.r.e, with the good cheer we can offer you, will set you all to rights.”
He then shook hands with Arthur and me, and giving a friendly nod to Sambo, turned round to welcome my father, the larger raft having closely followed us to the beach. All the party having landed, the two rafts were secured to the trunks of some trees growing at the water's edge.
The worthy skipper now conducted us to two huts which he and Peter had erected. He exhibited them with no little satisfaction. One was small, but neatly built; the other was of considerable dimensions, and capable of containing several persons, somewhat thickly stowed.
”I thought of the little maid, and my first care was to build a house which she might have entirely to herself. In it she may rest as long in the morning as she likes without being disturbed by us when we go to our work,” he observed.
Marian thanked him warmly as he led her towards the little hut, in which he had formed a bed-place, and put up a table and a three-legged stool; which, though roughly made, showed his desire to attend to her comfort.
The bed-place was covered thickly with dry gra.s.s. Poor Marian expressed her pleasure at the thought of being able to rest in quiet on it. The larger hut was dest.i.tute of furniture.
”We must be content, my friends, to sleep and take our meals on the ground till we can make some hammocks and form a table and benches,”
said the captain. ”Peter and I could do no more; we have worked hard to accomplish this much, I can a.s.sure you.”