WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 89 



road. In one instance we had a mile to cut 

 through an aged forest, whose soUtude would 

 appear to have reigned unbroken for centuries. 

 The governor of Arauco was most attentive and 

 vigilant in acquiring a knowledge of the move- 

 ment and position of the hostile Indians, and 

 constant spies were despatched to the hills south 

 of us. A good number of mules and horses had 

 been collected and driven to the vicinity of our 

 camp, and great exertions were made, therefore, 

 by all to expedite our march. Several of the 

 caciques had consented to allow their bullocks 

 to be yoked to assist the transport of our heavy 

 baggage. Pinoleo, his wife and daughter, and 

 followers, took another look at us this day, but 

 did not remain any length of time, though they 

 accepted a little rum and water previous to 

 returning to the hills. 



June 3. — Fine weather, light wind from n. e. 

 We this day loaded about sixty mules, and, with 

 poles lashed together, on which were secured 

 casks, and other heavy articles, made up loads 

 for eleven yokes of oxen 5 the whole of which 

 started for the Leubu : a party of men in ad- 

 vance, to cut down the trees and clear the road 

 for them. The difficulties which the oxen had 



