IN PANAMA 
211 
their domain. The Pioneer acknowledged that once he broke an agree- 
ment with a chief, stole across the river that marked his boundary, and 
began work on the rich forbidden forest. As a result, his men were 
shot down, one by one, until only he and one negro escaped. 
Another time he was caught far up a river, by the dry season, and 
had to wait for the rains. When they finally came and he got his rubber 
afloat, they had for provision only rice and bananas. Floating down the 
river one evening in the bright moonlight, they came to a fine stretch 
THE TOURAINE — CANVAS SHELTER ON THE A L M IR A N TE . ” 
of beach, and he at once ordered the canoe men to make camp there. 
They refused with every evidence of extreme terror, as they said the 
place was haunted. The Pioneer, tired and hungry, forced them to do 
as he ordered, by threatening them with his revolver. He soon had 
supper and was quickly sound asleep under his mosquito netting. About 
midnight, just as the moon was setting, he was awakened by a strange 
and dreadful cry. Sitting up to call the crew, they suddenly threw 
themselves upon him, held him down, and practically gagging him kept 
