Chapter Nine.
Lost in the Forest.
“I am thankful to have you back, my young masters,” exclaimed Domingos, as he helped us to land. “But what! have you not brought back the canoe? I thought it was her you had returned in, and that the third person I saw was Señor John. He set off some time back to look for you.”
We briefly explained what had happened, and introduced the young Indian. Having secured the raft, we hastened to our encampment. Ellen and Maria came out to meet us.
“I am so glad you have come back,” said Ellen, “for we were growing very anxious about you. I hope John will soon return. I am surprised you did not see him as you came down the igarape.”
I explained to her how easily we might have passed each other. “I dare say we shall see John in a few minutes. When he found night coming on, he would certainly turn back,” I added.
We now brought Duppo forward and introduced him, telling Ellen about his sister Oria.
“Oh, I should so like to see her!” she exclaimed. “Do try and make him understand that we hope he will bring her here.”