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Updated: June 13, 2025
Kanimapo accordingly set off, accompanied by the padre and the doctor; the former having resumed his clerical robes, while the latter was attended by his faithful dog Jumbo. We had, of course, immediately on our arrival, despatched a messenger to my father to announce the recovery of Norah, and my safety. The next day Uncle Denis, with Gerald and Tim, went home with their followers.
They seldom attack people, however, unless trodden on; but numerous as are the serpents of South America, they generally keep away from the haunts of men. We had proceeded, as far as I could judge, about half-way between Padre Pacheco's house and our own, when Kanimapo, pointing to a range of mountains in the west, told us that we must now turn in that direction.
Kanimapo replied that he required some time to make preparations, but that as soon as he was ready he would let us know. Calling Candela, he led him some way down the valley towards a grove of trees, among which were a great variety of creepers. We, meantime, were employed in improving our huts and in making arrangements for a sojourn in the cave, hoping that we might not be disturbed.
Among the most deadly of these is the jaguar, which preys largely on the poor tailless animal; but man is also its enemy, for its flesh is excellent, and is considered like that of the hog. As it was important to secure a good supply of food, the capybara was forthwith cut up, and some of its flesh roasted. "I trust that it will not cost us dear," observed Kanimapo, as we returned to our seats.
Should we be betrayed, there was nothing to prevent our enemies from following us; and there was no position in which we could defend ourselves against them. Kanimapo confessed that such was the case; but he added, "There is a spot at hand to which I can lead you, where you will be secure from a whole army of Gothos.
I could not, of course, quit my mother and brothers and sisters until I had seen them all placed in safety. We feared much that my mother would be unable to stand the rough life we were about to endure. She was, indeed, already fatigued with her morning ride; and when Kanimapo proposed that we should proceed, my father begged that she might be allowed a longer time to rest.
The only creatures it could not keep out were the mosquitoes; but as my mother had thoughtfully brought some mosquito-curtains, we were able to set those tormenting creatures at defiance. The hut was finished, and Chumbo was at a little distance cutting firewood when we heard him shriek out, "A snake! a snake! I am bitten!" Kanimapo instantly ran towards him. "Let me see the wound," he said.
The two men approached, and to my infinite satisfaction I saw that Gerald was right. Still, I wished to see what Tim would do when he arrived at the barrier. He soon got up there, and I saw him looking about in every direction. He then turned round to his companion. "Faith, Chumbo, I begin to think that, after all, Masther Kanimapo is deceiving us," exclaimed Tim.
I then recognised our friend Kanimapo; though, dressed as he was, in all the war-trappings of a chief, I had certainly not known him at first. He and Norah were soon in our midst. I need scarcely describe the joy of the meeting. But there was short time for exchange of greetings. "Those you see are our foes, from whom we have just escaped," exclaimed Kanimapo.
Still, the Indians possess wonderful vitality and endurance, which enable them to recover from wounds of the body; but they succumb very quickly to European diseases. Though apparently growing weaker, Kanimapo still clung to existence.
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