The traveller now pursued his way through the intricacies of the jungle, with much difficulty and equal patience. He had not long quitted the spot of his last night’s repose, when, entering a small glade where the wood had been cleared, he perceived a group of eight men, seated round the glowing embers of a fire, some smoking, and others apparently devouring the last of their morning’s meal. Knowing that retreat would be of no avail to secure him from their hostile intentions, if they were enemies, he boldly approached, and inquired his way to the nearest hamlet. One of the men rose, and meeting him, said with a significant laugh,
“Perhaps you wouldn’t mind ending your journey here?”
“Indeed but I should. If you can direct me on my way, well; if not, I have no time for parleying.”
“Good! but travellers that pass through these woods are in the habit of paying for safe-conduct.”
“I require no guide, and therefore must decline the tribute.”
“Hark’ye! Do you think your single arm a match for eight pair? Be advised, and lower your tone. We live here by our good wits, levying contributions when the opportunity invites, and living on what the forest provides, when such opportunities fail us. We must have what you carry upon your shoulders, your money, and your provender, if you have any. When we make our demands, remember we take no denial.”
“Then I am in the presence of robbers?”
“Ay! and what then?”
“This, that I shall not submit to your exactions, though you had a hundred, instead of seven, to back you!”
The robber laughed; and, turning to his comrades, said, “Here’s a fellow that wont be plucked without fluttering; we must try blows to bring down the game, if he chooses to be deaf to persuasion. Come,” said he, turning to the traveller, “get rid of that unsightly hump upon your shoulders, and show how straight a man you are when you stand upright, without an incumbrance.”