“Nothing particular,” replied the man, “but up here in these parts you never know what may happen next. Something may come just when you think you are safe, and it’s best to be always ready.”
So that and the following meal were eaten in the boat, which just before dark was at the Spaniard’s suggestion run up into a calm reach where the forest had become very distant, while the river seemed to have widened out to double its former size.
Here he proposed that they should anchor for the night and wait for the morning before continuing their journey.
This was disappointing to the lads, who looked longingly at the shore, while Rodd suggested that there were several places that looked level, and where it would be easy to rig up a tent where they might sleep.
The Spaniard laughed, and with a grim smile said—
“You wanted a guide for coming up here, young man. If we did what you say we shouldn’t all be ready to go on again in the morning.”
“What, because of the wild beasts?” said Rodd eagerly.
The Spaniard nodded.
“He is quite right, Rodd,” said the doctor. “And I suppose we might catch fever here?” he continued.
“Bad,” said the Spaniard laconically. “Keep to the boat.”