THE DESCENT OF THE RIO GY-PARANA 253 



faintly outlined against the dim background of merging 

 shadows and sombre green; somehow they seemed to fit 

 into the picture and to complete the impression of primality 

 conveyed by the vast wilderness of the Brazihan hinter- 

 land. Our captain held up bunches of bright-red beads 

 and started to wade into the stream toward them, but they 

 immediately withdrew into the thick cover, so he came 

 back. A moment later they reappeared and again began 

 talking and waving their arms; by signs we tried to induce 

 them to come nearer and to assure them of our peaceful 

 intentions. Finally, after a powwow with his companions, 

 one of their nvimber approached to the margin of the stream 

 and held out his hands. He then pointed to one of our men 

 and motioned for him to take off his clothes and come over 

 with the presents, which was done; the Indian grabbed 

 the trinkets from the native's outstretched hands, gave 

 him a violent push back, and fled to his companions. This 

 was repeated a number of times. Then we refused to per- 

 mit our man to go farther than the centre of the stream — 

 the water was nearly up to his chin — and after lengthy en- 

 treaties the Indian waded out and met him half-way. We 

 laid out an attractive assortment of beads, knives, hatchets, 

 and bright-colored trinkets on our side of the river and, re- 

 treating ten or fifteen feet with extended arms, invited the 

 Indians to come over. Slowly they came, apparently with 

 many misgivings. We approached them in a friendly 

 manner; they made no attempt to flee, but cast meaning 

 glances behind them where, obviously, an armed force was 

 concealed near by to protect them in the event that our 

 actions aroused suspicion. The chief was an intelligent 

 fellow; his first deed was to enact before our eyes a drama 

 that we shall never forget. Assuming a rigid pose, he 

 pointed straight in front of him with one hand, as if tak- 

 ing aim; then with a sudden "pong" he clutched at his 

 breast and fell upon his knees, gradually sinking to the 

 ground, where he lay moaning. We understood the ac- 

 cusation; one of his tribe had been shot to death by our 



