Between Riobamba, therefore, and Banyos they spent three whole weeks. But bird skins and butterflies were almost the sole objects that Tom collected in these regions. They had hardly yet come to lions and tigers. He gathered, however, specimens of ore, which Samaro assured him contained gold as well as other precious metals.
Sometimes they met wandering bands of Indians. They were quiet and civil as yet, but they were extremely curious to know what brought the white hunter to these regions. They were satisfied each and all of them with Samaro’s explanations. All Englishmen were mad, the guide told them, except a very few, and these were fools.
Seeing Tom pursuing bright-winged butterflies they naturally concluded he belonged to the latter section.
“It is well it should be thought so,” said Samaro. “Your fame and reputation will go before you into the wilds.”
“My reputation as a fool—eh?” said Tom laughing.
“Yes, as a fool. Then if your friend Bernard does indeed live among the Jivaros, you will be more likely to find and free him. They will not suspect a fool.”
They found the horses very handy at present; but by and by the country would be far too wild to make any use of them.
The dogs, however, were as yet of little service. However they occasionally caught a cavy or agouti, and these, roasted whole in gypsy fashion, formed occasionally a very appetizing supper.
Fruit was everywhere abundant here, and eggs of various kinds of birds added considerably to the contents of the larder.
The rain, however, spoiled many a good day’s sport, and always after a “spate” or downfall the streams became swollen.