There is something inexpressibly delightful in penetrating unexplored regions, regions virgin hitherto to the foot of civilised man. The thrilling sensation which pervades the explorer can only be properly realised by one who has experienced it, and there is no language which adequately conveys the mixed feelings with which one surveys a beautiful and hitherto unveiled scene, and realises that one is the first that yet has burst upon its lonely loveliness. So thought the young Vanes, as they lay outstretched on the raft, and revelled in the beauty which that moonlight night unveiled before them. Though these children had travelled far and wide, and had had various opportunities for feasting their eyes upon the glorious creations of God, they all agreed that nothing lovelier than this moonlight scene had ever gladdened them before.
An hour’s punting brought them parallel with the Albinos’ huts, and the greatest caution was observed in passing them. All held their breath while the punters dipped their long poles gently into the water, and sent the raft swiftly against the stream. It was a critical moment, and all felt that the success of the expedition hung on the slender chance of avoiding detection. All prayed silently for success—our white friends to God, the Indians to their good Gualichu. And the prayer was answered, as the raft glided by the dangerous spot, and passed up stream in the darkness of night.
CHAPTER XXIII.
All that night the rescue party paddled and punted, and worked its way up the lonely river, so that when morning began to dawn Piñone advised a halt. The raft was made safe under a dark, overhanging tree, whose branches swept the water, and concealed their charge from any outside observation. Then the occupants of the craft spread their skins under the shade of this tree, and gave themselves up to the soothing influence of sleep, those who had slept during the night being deputed to watch while the others rested.
As evening came on the journey was resumed, and Piñone assured every one that about midnight they would reach the vicinity of the Trauco village. Though silence and caution were necessary, he averred that he had little fear of detection, no watch being kept at night by these hairy people.
In effect, about the hour named, the moon disclosed the village to view. Silence reigned over it as quiet as death, and Aniwee’s heart beat loud and excitedly, as she pictured her darling sleeping therein.
Thus they passed it undetected and unobserved, reaching the tiny branch river or affluent of the parent stream as morning dawned.
This affluent, some seventy yards broad, plunged at right angles into the forest on the same side of the big river as was the Trauco village. It was, therefore, decided to take the raft up about a quarter of a mile, and after making it fast to the right bank, start off on another reconnoitring expedition to discover and make all search for the whereabouts of La Guardia Chica.