A TROPICAL UKEAM. 



CHAPTER XX. 



RETURIn" to GUAYAQUIL — CONCLUSION. 



Although our work amongst the Great Andes of the Equator was 

 completed upon arrival at Chuquipoquio, a Public Duty still 

 remained to be performed. It had been concluded from the tame- 

 ness of my attitude on the 17th of January [see p. 89] that 

 travellers could be defrauded with impunity^ and be kept prisoners 

 without fear of consequences. In the Public interest, it was desir- 

 able to correct this idea. The road-measuring was a slow operation, 

 and when the people attached to the Tambo, out of curiosity came 

 to inspect us, they afforded a convenient opportunity for a dis- 

 course to them upon the iniquity of their ways ; and I emphasized 

 my remarks in a manner which I trust left such an abiding imjjres- 

 sion as will render it less likely in the future that an Englishman 

 will be robbed in this neighbourhood. 



We departed from Riobamba on the 8th of July, intending to 

 take what is termed the Railway Route to Guayaquil ; and, mount- 



3 D 



