SOUTH AMERICA. 



71 



the hut of the savages, stands but a poor chance of First 



Journey. 



being saved by it. 



Had the Indians a sure antidote, it is hkely they would 

 carry it about with them, or resort to it immediately after 

 being wounded, if at hand ; and their confidence in its 

 efficacy would greatly diminish the horror they betray 

 when you point a poisoned arrow at tliem. 



One day while w^e were eating a red monkey, errone- 

 ously called the baboon, in Demerara, an Arowack Indian 

 told an affecting story of what happened to a comrade of 

 his. He was present at his death. As it did not interest 

 this Indian in any point to tell a falsehood, it is very 

 probable that his account was a true one. If so, it 

 appears that there is no certain antidote, or, at least, an 

 antidote that could be resorted to in a case of urgent 

 need ; for the Indian gave up all thoughts of life as soon 

 as he was wounded. 



The Arowack Indian said it was but four years ago ^"'^cdote. 

 that he and his companion were ranging in the forest in 

 quest of game. His companion took a poisoned arrow, 

 and sent it at a red monkey in a tree above him. It was 

 nearly a perpendicular shot. The arrow missed the 

 monkey, and, in its descent, struck him in the arm, a 

 little above the elbow. He was convinced it was all over 

 with him. " I shall never," said he to his companion, in 

 a faltering voice, and looking at his bow as he said it, 



I shall never," said he, " bend this bow again." And 



