But although Roland and Dick had plenty to do, and there was sport enough to be had, still the time began to drag wearily on day by day, and both young fellows were burning for action and movement and "go".
Peter, alias Don Pedro, seemed as anxious as anyone else to get forward.
He was most quiet and affable to everyone, although apt to drop into dejected moods at times.
He saw that he was not wholly in bad favour with Dick Temple.
One day, when Roland was at the other side of the river, after smoking in silence for some time by the banks of the stream, where, in company with Dick and Brawn, he was sitting, a down-steamer hove in sight at the bend of the river, and both waved their caps to those on board, a salute which was cheerfully returned.
The vessel was some distance out in the broad river, but presently Dick could see a huge black-board held over the port-quarter. There was writing in chalk on it, and Dick speedily put his lorgnettes up, and read as follows:--
IF GOING UP RIVER--BEWARE!
KARAPOONA SAVAGES ON WAR-PATH--TREACHERY!
"Forewarned is forearmed!" said Dick.
"What was the legend exposed to view on the telegraph board?" asked Peter languidly.