ARRANGEMENTS FOE VOYAGE. 121 



boat pushed to its anchorage, when, much to the chagrin 

 of the inhabitants and our disappointment, it proved 

 only a loaded lancha bound for the Rio Meta. But, what 

 was still more depressing to us was, the intelligence that 

 neither the governor nor the padre would leave Angos- 

 tura for several weeks yet to come. Urbana seemed des- 

 tined to be the highest point upon the Orinoco we were 

 likely to reach. Neither craft nor crew could be secured, 

 nor a single guide be found to accompany us who was ac- 

 quainted with the passage of the Great Cataracts. 



While thus despairingly discussing the probabilities of 

 " going through," our Apure boatmen, who had returned 

 to Asaiba, again appeared at Ui'bana with a huco, or 

 small lancha, which seemed just the thing for ascending 

 the rapids. Negotiations were at once opened with Celes- 

 tino, the patron, which resulted in liis agreeing to take us 

 to San Fernando de Atabapo, for tlic sum of eighty pesos ; 

 he furnishing the crew and supplies for the voyage. A 

 guide alone was all that was lacking. At this juncture of 

 affairs an Indian fortunately vrandered into the town, Avho, 

 with the bribe of a cotton camisa, which we thought his 

 advent into civilization rendered desirable, was induced to 

 accompany us in the capacity of pilot to San Fernando, a 

 distance which it would require nearly a month to accom- 

 plish. Our craft measured thirty feet in length, with its 

 greatest breadth about six, and was furnished with a sail 

 that could be hoisted when the wind was favorable. In 

 front of the carroza, Avhich covered about eight feet of the 

 middle of the boat, and was sufficiently high to admit of 

 a sitting posture, were seats for tlie rowers, while the 

 patron, as steersman, occupied the stern. A stock of pro- 

 visions sufficient for the long voyage, excepting meat, of 

 which we were able to obtain but little, was put aboard. 

 The wanting substantial we expected to be able to sup- 

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