Journey from Kalacoon to the Orinocco. 93 
Karly the next day (16th) while on my way to pay my respects to the Governor 
at Guacipati and passing through Callao, 1 was informed that my presence was 
required at the office of the Prefecto (Mayor). I went there and was served with 
a citation to appear that day at 3 p.m. before the Governor of the territorio, 
General Vincente Ybarra at Guacipati ; | was not charged with any offence, so 
far as I could understand, against the laws of Venezuela. I was told to sign the 
citation which I did, it was then taken from me. I asked to be allowed to retain 
it, but was informed it was not allowed by law. 
I continued my journey to Guacipati, kindly accompanied by Mr. Klimko. 
To this gentleman I am greatly indebted for the assistance he rendered me, both 
as regards his own efforts in my behalf and his introduction to others from whom 
I received much kindness and assistance. I particularly mention a Mr. Weil, 
a member of the firm of Messrs. Sprick Luis & Co. of Guacipati and Bolivar. 
Though totally unacquainted with these gentlemen (Messrs. Sprick Luis & Co.) 
T could not have received more kindness from them that I did had I been a mem- 
ber of theirfirm rather than a person with whom they were totally unacquainted. 
Mr. Weil, though a German by birth spoke English and Spanish fluently 
and very kindly offered me his services as interpreter in my interviews with the 
Governor. This may seem a light matter according to our ideas, but its real 
importance cannot be understood until one has lived a short time in Venezuela. 
I did not recognise it myself until I had to appear before General Ybarra. 
Accompanied by Mr. Weil I appeared at 3 p.m. the time appointed at the office 
of the Governor. Here I met the Governor, his Secretary and several other 
high officials. The proceedings began at 3 p.m. and, through the Interpreter, 
I was questioned by the governor until a late hour in the evening. I was then 
told I must attend again at 8 the next morning and would not be allowed to 
leave Guacipati. 
On 17th I attended again as desired accompanied by Mr. Weil. On the day 
previous Mr. Weil had been seated next to me, but to-day as he was explaining 
to me a question the Governor was in the course of asking, the Governor got 
annoyed at it and accused him of “falta de respecto ’ (want of respect) and 
removed him to the other end of the table putting the Government Interpreter 
next to me. This person a Mr. Romero was not particularly conversant 
with the English language, and I made objection, but was obliged to sub- 
mit being told by the Governor that the Law did not permit my Interpreter 
to sit next to me. I then asked that some one of my own nationality 
might be allowed to be present, as I was the only Englishman in the 
room, mentioning at the same time a Mr. Aikman who had been present 
the day before. The Governor said it could not be permitted. I might dis- 
pense with Mr. Weil’s services and substitute Mr. Aikman for him. Of course | 
explained that this was not my desire. After considerable disputation it was 
finally arranged that Messrs. Weil and Aikman should both act as my Interpre- 
ters. The examination then proceeded, and at its close I was informed that | 
must not leave Guacipati until the Governor decided what was to done with me, 
I might hear his decision next day or some day later. I asked to be allowed to go 
back on parole to Callao to pay such debts as I had incurred there and see my men 
