"There are many rapids in the Napo River, and the voyage will be an exciting one; the rapids look very dangerous, but the Indians are excellent boatmen, and, if you let them alone, they will carry you safely along with the current. At Pebas, on the Maranon, it may be necessary to wait a few days for a steamboat, as the navigation is not regular, but you can be reasonably sure of no further trouble on your way down the Maranon and Amazon to the Atlantic."
The Doctor thanked Francisco for his information, and told him they would think the subject over, and have a further talk with him the next morning.
When he appeared again before them Dr. Bronson reiterated his previous assertion, that they could not change their plans, but the guide was rewarded for his information by a present of money that put him immediately in good-humor. He assisted them in their preparations for the return to the coast, and accompanied them as far as Guaranda, where new animals were engaged to Bodegas.
We will now seat our friends on the enchanted carpet of the Arabian Nights' Entertainment, and with the swiftness of thought place them on board a steamer leaving Guayaquil for Callao.
[CHAPTER VIII.]
FROM GUAYAQUIL TO CALLAO.—LANDING AT PAITA.—THE SITE OF OLD CALLAO.—ARRIVAL AT LIMA.—SIGHTS OF THE PERUVIAN CAPITAL.—GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS.
Paita, in Peru, was the first stopping-place of the steamer, but the delay was only for a few hours, and our friends had no opportunity for a lengthened visit to the shore. But they voted unanimously that they had seen all that was worth seeing, as the place contained very few attractions.
