We hurried on, hoping to get beyond the range of the firearms of our enemies before they had reached the bank; and we had completely lost sight of them when we heard a volley fired. We only hoped that the poor old Indian had hidden himself in time, and that it was not aimed at him. Whether there was any ford, or other means of crossing the river, further down, we could not tell; it was therefore important to make as rapid progress as possible. A moon was in the sky, about half full, which, in that atmosphere, allowed us to see our way for some distance, so we took great care to profit by it. At length we saw a light ahead of us. It proceeded from an Indian's hut, in the centre of which a large fire was blazing. We made our way towards it, hoping to obtain a guide; besides, we required rest, and it was necessary to obtain it at all risks. The owner of the hut was seated before the fire boiling a pot of cocoa, and he did not appear to be surprised on seeing us. "Travellers are constantly coming this way, and I was getting some cocoa ready lest any should come in," he observed. Uncle Richard said that we should be glad to rest for a few hours, and inquired whether he would guide us over the mountains. "I cannot do so myself; but my son, who will be here shortly, will willingly do so. He has guided many travellers across the Paramo," was the answer. We took our seats around the fire, and the Indian cooked some plantains, which, with the cocoa, served us for supper. In a short time the son of whom our host had spoken made his appearance. He was a fine, strong youth, and seemed well fitted for acting in the capacity of guide. He told us that as he was coming over the mountains from a village on this side of the river, to which he had escorted some travellers, he had heard firing, and concluded that there had been a fight between some Liberals and the Godos. "I hope the last were well beaten," he muttered, looking at Uncle Richard's military cap. "So do I," I observed. "You do not take us for Godos?" "I judge of people by their conduct, and as yet I have had no opportunity of learning how you behave," answered the young Indian, with a laugh. "He is the right sort of fellow," observed Uncle Richard; "we may trust him." I asked him if he had any food for my dog; and going out, he at once returned with some pieces of flesh, off which, although somewhat odorous, Lion made a substantial supper. "It is the remains of a bear we killed some days ago," observed the young Indian. We all lay down round the fire,--Lion sleeping between Uncle Richard and me, and both of us feeling assured that he would give us timely notice should any danger be at hand. CHAPTER TWELVE.