e native language, and this now stood him and his companions in good stead, as it caused th

uick ear of Donalblane, who was in the lead with the guides, caug

smiled assent, although in truth he did not understand the question. "I

were coming to welcome them in their own way; and so it proved, for the music grew louder as they advanced, until, on entering one of the long fores

find an orchestra and a choral society among savages, and he e

his strange New World, my lad. It is

d of dance, which continued until they crossed a small savannah and drew near a lofty grove

with golden ornaments, and carrying garlands of flowers which they threw over the necks of Mr. Paterson and his

ing sight. Seated upon a huge throne of mahogany logs, decked with Spanish crimson cloth, and wearing a great crown of gold, the dusky pot

s Majesty very favourably. Standing about him were fine-looking men, whose stature was heightened by diadems of the gold plumage of the mocking-bird, out of which

ve language, there was no need of an interpreter, a

ly your land, but your friendship. If you treat us kindly, if you deal with us honourably, we will help to make you and your people greater and richer, and we will also aid you against your enemies. We will be your allies; and if you are attacked, our guns

es gleamed with eager desire, and it was by a manifest effort that he controlled the impulse

, was interrupted by an extraordinary disturbance that thoroughl

a large troop of monkeys, whose curiosity had evidently been excited by what was going on below. They came in thousa

ng and screaming which made every other sound inaudible. Not only so, but, in utter fearlessness of human presence, they began a series of wild antics, which culminated in th

inning, grasping creatures meant to attack him, and he drew his cutlass to strike at them,

ost sternly. "They will do you no har

the stalwart attendants of the king had observed Don

to its sheath; and, bracing hims

, but gin ye do lay hands on me, I'll g

their appearance on the scene as a favourable omen; in fact, nothing more fortunate for the success of the embassy could have occurred. The pawarress, or priests, were particularly pleased. So, too

ran, and gold was found in Darien." Then followed a banquet prepared and served in true native style. The roast flesh of the peccary, broiled fish from the mountain streams, and luscious fruit from the trees a

hem. All except Mr. Paterson. He had tasted iguana before and knew it was not at all unsavoury. Moreover, good manners required that this item should not be treated with d

of fine quality, with a flavour somewhat resembling chicken, he actually managed to poli

he honours and marks of goodwill that had marked their arrival; but before they reached the

ed, Mr. Paterson readily assented to the request of his companions, t

of picking and choosing. Following their guide he and Mr. Sutherland had been tramping for several hours, and securing a creditable "bag," when, feeling weary, they threw themselves down to rest under a big tree, and quite naturally fell sound asleep. An hour slipped by, and Donalblane, from a troubled dream, awoke to find glaring down upon him from an upper branch the most appalling eyes he had ever beheld

... THE MOST APPALLING