THE GUIDE. 



125 



until 1 overtook him. He had not said that he 

 would return, but had hinted at the danger of the 

 undertaking at this season, and that the two lads 

 were afraid of proceeding, but I knew him to be 

 the mover. At night he could not have found his 

 way back, as the only mark of a road that was 

 to be perceived, proceeded from the sand being 

 more worn away, and the banks of the river 

 being broken down at the proper crossings. 

 In fact, the marks were such, that even in the 

 day-time, a man accustomed to this description 

 of road could alone find it out — therefore I 

 was certain that desertion could only take 

 place in the day-time, which was almost impos- 

 sible, as I always rode in the rear of the whole 

 party. The guide had no fire-arms of his own ; 

 besides he never would have made any attempt 

 to murder me, as he knew how little I slept, 

 and that my pistols were always with me in my 

 hammock, besides any thing of this sort could 

 only have been done in concert with Julio, who, 

 in the sequel, proved worthy of the greatest 

 confidence. I found more necessity to be on 

 my guard in returning, when John was no 

 longer with me; however, although this man 

 had sufficient courage, he had no watchfulness. 

 The summary manner in which I threatened to 

 treat the guide, can only be justified by the 

 necessity of the case, for had he returned, the 

 two Indians would most probably likewise have 



