Early the next day we arrived at Senhor Pimento's farm. The turtles
were turned into a large tank near the house, staked round so as to
prevent the creatures from getting out. Here they would live for many
months. Most of the Brazilian, as well as many of the natives' houses,
have similar reservoirs attached to them, in which turtle are kept
alive, to be taken out as required for use.
We found our two sisters seated by the bank of the lake, and little Oria
with them. They seemed somewhat agitated. Oria had been out the
previous day, they told me, in the forest to gather fruit, and had
unwisely wandered on, without waiting for Duppo, who was to follow her.
Unaccustomed to that part of the country, she had lost her way. As
evening approached, she found an Indian hut, when, the rain coming down,
she crept into it for shelter. No one was there. She had thrown a mat
over her, and had dropped off to sleep, when she was awakened by hearing
several persons talking. Although their dialect was very different from
her own, she could understand them. As she listened she became more and
more interested. They were speaking of a plot to surprise the whites,
and put them to death, so that not a Portuguese should remain in the
country. This plan, Oria understood, was very soon to be carried into
execution. Fanny and Ellen cross-questioned Oria, and seemed satisfied
that they clearly understood her. They then begged me to go and call
our father, that we might have his opinion before alarming our host and
hostess. I fortunately found him near the spot. He came to the
conclusion that Oria's opinion was to be relied on, and at once
determined to warn Senhor Pimento.
Soon afterwards I met Duppo. He drew me aside, with a mysterious look.
He, too, evidently had something which he wished to communicate. He in
vain, however, tried to find words to explain himself. Just then we
caught sight of the daughters of our host in the distance. He shook his
head at them, and then made signs that no good could come from living
with a family who could play with poisonous snakes with impunity; and
then pointed to the canoe, and urged us to go away from so dangerous a
neighbourhood. I felt sure, however, that he had some other reason,
which he was afraid to communicate. I told him so, and I asked him if
he did not believe that the natives in the neighbourhood were about to
attack the plantation. He looked surprised, evidently not being aware
that Oria had already warned my sisters. At last he confessed that such
was the case, and implored me earnestly to induce my family to fly. On
this I went in search of John, who had talked of going out to shoot. I
persuaded him, though not without difficulty, to remain at home, and
come and consult with our father. He had, in the meantime, found Senhor
Pimento.
"I am afraid that I shall be unable to persuade our Portuguese friend to
take precautions against an attack of the natives. He declares that
they have always been on good terms with him, and he sees no reason to
be alarmed," he observed.
"What, then, do you mean to do, father?" I asked.
"To take the wisest course," he answered. "I have directed Domingos and
Antonio to get the montarias ready, and to ascertain the feeling of the
Tucuna Indians who came with you. They are, however, anxious to return
homewards; and I have promised them one of the canoes, and additional
payment, if they will accompany us in our flight to a place of safety.
There is an uninhabited island some way down the river, where, I hope,
we may remain concealed, should what we apprehend take place. As delay
may be dangerous, I have told Senhor Pimento that I purpose starting
this evening; and I have urged him to have his own montarias ready, and
manned by negroes in whom he can place confidence. I shall be very glad
if I can, at all events, induce him to take this precaution, so that,
should he see any likelihood of his being attacked, he may, at all
events, get on board, and save the lives of his family and himself. We
will, as soon as the canoes are ready, carry our own property down to
them. But we must take care that we are not observed by the natives,
who might attempt to stop us, or watch the direction we take. Your
mother and sisters are engaged in packing up, and I hope that soon all
will be ready."
Though Senhor Pimento appeared to be incredulous as to the sinister
intentions of the natives, I thought that possibly Pedro might be
induced to believe them. I therefore went in search of him. I told him
what we had heard.
"It may be," he answered. "I have had many black looks of late from
those who used at one time to be ready to kiss my feet. I am,
therefore, inclined to agree with you that some mischief is intended. I
will try and persuade my father to act prudently; but he has been so
long accustomed to look down upon the natives, it will be difficult to
persuade him that they will dare to injure a white skin. I think your
father is very right to escape from hence, though we shall be sorry to
part from you."
I thanked Pedro for his kind feelings, and urged him to try and induce
his father to act with caution. As all the natives on the estate were
absent gathering caoutchouc, our operations were conducted with less
difficulty than would otherwise have been the case. Our own Indians had
fortunately remained behind. It was settled that two should go in our
canoe. John should act as captain of our father's, and Domingos of
ours. Our goods were quickly conveyed on board. We found that Senhor
Pimento had sent a supply of farinha, as well as several turtles and
other provisions, on board each of them, as a mark, he said, of his
good-will.
We bade him and Senhora Josefa and their two daughters farewell. Pedro
accompanied us down to the canoe.
"Do not fear," he said, "about us. I suspect we shall soon be following
you. But should nothing happen to us, forget not those who held you in
affectionate esteem."