“The passengers did not play such a very bad knife and fork.”
Chapter Sixteen.
Rapid Progress.
A favourable breeze sent the brig higher and higher up the river all that day, the captain taking advantage of the many broad reaches to spread ample canvas.
There was only one drawback to their full enjoyment, and that was the absence of the wounded man.
Brace had the satisfaction of seeing his brother asleep again and again, sinking into pleasant restful slumbers, from which he awoke sensibly refreshed and freed from fever. In fact, all cause for anxiety seemed to have disappeared, and all on board became more cheerful.
The banks of the river were for the most part densely wooded, but twice over open park-like patches were passed where the trees were grand in the extreme, having ample room to grow in the rich soil unfettered by the parasites and vines which wove their brethren of the dense jungle into an impassable wall of verdure.
No landing was attempted, the experience they had gained making the travellers disposed to wait until more open country was reached and they could feel more secure.