198 MARTIN RATTLER.

uncomfortable-looking contrivance. If we lost our
hold we should first be dashed to pieces on the rocks,
and then be drowned in the river.”

Difficult though the passage seemed, however, it
was soon accomplished by the active savages in safety.
The only one of the party likely to be left behind
was Grampus; whom his master, after much entreaty
in dumb-show, was permitted to carry over by tying
him firmly to his shoulders. Marmoset crossed over
walking, like a tight-rope dancer, being quite aw fait
at such work. Soon after they came to another
curious bridge over a ravine. It had been constructed
by simply felling two tall trees on the edge of it in
such a manner that they fell across. They were
bound together with the supple vines that grew there
in profusion. Nature had soon covered the whole
over with climbing-plants and luxuriant verdure ;
and the bridge had become a broad and _ solid
structure over which the whole party marched with
perfect ease. Several such bridges were crossed, and
also a few of the rope kind, during the journey.

After many weeks’ constant travelling, the Indians
came to a beautiful valley one evening just about
sunset, and began to make the usual preparations for
encamping. The spot they selected was a singular

one. It was at the foot of a rocky gorge, up which