WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 51 



safe guide to convey to the captain, with as little 

 delay as possible, a reply to his letter, naturally 

 supposing the anxious suspense we were under 

 to hear from him. The consul was also bringing 

 some presents, to conciliate the good-will of the 

 caciques on the road and around our encamp- 

 ment. Towards sunset our camp was put in 

 movement by the appearance, through the dis- 

 tant haze to the southward, of an approach of 

 several groups of horsemen, and a mounted scout 

 was sent by Don Bernardino to reconnoitre. 

 They turned out to be some of Cheuquante's 

 Indians, who were returning from the late bat- 

 tles fought by Colissi against the hostile Indians. 

 Towards night it blew a heavy gale : its effect 

 on the sand, which we were on, was most incon- 

 venient and annoying, finding its way into every 

 thing inside the tents. 



Saturday, May 30. — Strong gales from the 

 northward, with heavy rains,which penetrated the 

 tents a good deal, causing many attempts on the 

 part of the sleepers, during the night, to discover 

 the driest spot inside to lie down on. Daylight saw 

 a crowded group huddled together in the centre 

 of the tent, as being the most free from rain. 

 It was necessary to turn all hands on the pumps 



K 9. 



