28 IN THE GUIANA FOREST. 



sapling at intervals, so that the under surface of 

 the leaves may be visible on his return and point 

 the way. His white companion misses him as he 

 hurries along and stands up bewildered. At a 

 short distance his reddish-brown skin harmonises 

 with the tree-trunks, and as his movements are 

 absolutely noiseless, he cannot be seen or heard. 

 Perhaps the Indian wants to shoot some animal, 

 and purposely leaves the white man behind for 

 fear he should disturb the game. Then the report 

 of a gun is heard reverberating among the columns, 

 but even that will not indicate the direction to any 

 one but an expert. Presently the Indian comes 

 back with his game and smiles at the remonstrances 

 of his companion. On they go again until perhaps 

 a small creek is reached, over which stretches a 

 fallen palm. On this the red man lightly trips 

 and is going straight along into the forest, ex- 

 pecting the other to follow. But who could walk 

 in boots on such a slippery bridge ? The white 

 man gives the bush call, Hoo oo oo oo, and 

 the Indian comes back again looking surprised 

 that this convenient bridge could be any more an 

 obstacle to another than to him. The novice tries 

 to explain, but almost before he can understand 

 what is taking place, he is in the arms of his com- 

 panion and over the creek. 



