LA CABEZERA. 415 



irresistible influence, and impelled by some 

 invisible power. This mystery remains unex- 

 plained, and reason is imperfect, or at a loss, 

 when we observe so many things ordained by 

 Nature, which are contrary to our ideas of the 

 true measure and execution of justice and 

 mercy. 



In the course of an hour and a half I arrived 

 at La Cabezera, where I had to disembark, 

 as the river, for two leagues, is not navigable 

 for canoes. Rafts only, on which the Indians 

 tie themselves, can pass the rapids. I now, 

 therefore, paid for the four canoes I had em- 

 ployed, at the rate of thirteen pence per person, 

 or per trunk : from this spot the peons carried 

 the baggage to a cottage, called Guaybal. We 

 kept close to the river most of the way, and 

 saw its rapids, and sudden falls, over which I 

 am astonished that any raft can pass. I met the 

 messenger I had sent in the morning, who told 

 me he had ordered the canoes ; which, how- 

 ever, I did not get for an hour after my arrival. 

 At this spot I discharged my peons, having to 

 pay each one dollar for the last two leagues, 

 besides their hire, of two dollars for every 

 twenty-five pounds. I was rejoiced to get rid 



