"Why, yes; but that is not very surprising, for, according to the Indian ideas, it would not be the only instance in this country. There is a belief amongst the Indians in several parts that some of the unexplored mountains are inhabited by strange and unknown races. This applies to those--and there are many; Roraima is not the only one--that are surrounded by the curious belts of almost impenetrable forest. The Indians believe that, if these forests could be passed, strange peoples would be met with living on the mountains thus encircled; and they say that on clear nights the lights from their fires may often be seen.[10] Therefore Carenna was quite prepared to believe we might find Roraima inhabited." [10] Mr. Im Thurn, referring to this belief amongst the Indians, states that he has himself seen, from a distance, strange lights on the Canakoo Mountains for which he was quite unable to account. See 'Among the Indians of British Guiana,' p. 384. "I see. Then she, at least, will not have been so very much surprised at our not returning, and may not have given us up for dead?" "Yes; that is probable enough." "And if she has heard of the signal flares we made when some Indians--as I suppose they were--were camping in sight of the mountain, she would look upon that as a sign of our being up here alive?" "I think that is very likely." "There is the suggestion of a little comfort in that," said Templemore; "for, otherwise, those I left behind, and who are dear to me, must have given up all hope and be now mourning me as dead. With Leonard it is different. He stood alone in the world and has no one to grieve for him more than as an ordinary friend." CHAPTER XXXII. THE TREE'S LAST MEAL. "And now," said Monella, "I have some other news to give you; for you have slept for nearly two days, and in that time much has been done. While you slept we have been busy." "Do you _never_ sleep--yourself?" Templemore asked.