Except that the toil was greater and the heat more intense, there was but little variation from the events of the preceding day. Whenever they neared the banks troops of monkeys appeared in the branches of the lofty trees, chattering and shaking their heads, or screaming in anger at this invasion of their territory; flights of macaws and other birds of gorgeous plumage flew overhead, generally in pairs; and here and there, perched on the lower branches, were seen huge white ducks, which nodded their heads and gabbled as the boats passed slowly by them. Among the monkeys, of which various species were seen, were several little Congo apes, who, in their anger, attempted to roar like lions, affording infinite amusement to the crews. "I say, Paddy," cried Tom Rogers to Desmond, their boats being at that time close to each other, "we must catch one of those fellows; he would make a good playmate to Spider. I suspect that old Scrofton will declare that he is embryo lion. I wonder how many thousand years it will take before he will turn into one?" "Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, young gentlemen!" cried the boatswain, who was in charge of one of the launches with troops, and, being at the time close astern, overheard the question. "In my opinion, howsomedever, it doesn't take half that time for a spider-tail to turn into a powder-monkey; but I'll see what my book says about it when we get back to the ship." There was, of course, a general laugh among the boats' crews. Jack did not think it necessary to interfere, though he suspected that had they not been on duty the boatswain would have used the word "midshipman" in lieu of "powder-monkey." Every now and then the boats grated against a snag, which reminded them of the danger which they would have to encounter when returning. The rocks and snags could not, as they were then steering, do them much injury, but it would be a very different matter when coming down. Even the gigs' crews found it trying work at best. Sometimes it appeared as if it would be impossible to get up the heavier boats unless they could be warped; still by the determination and perseverance of the crews all difficulties were overcome, and after an hour's rest for dinner, under the shade of the trees, they pulled on again much in the same fashion till near nightfall. They then landed at a deserted clearing, and congratulated themselves at finding a place so well suited for their encampment. As they were getting nearer the territory of the enemy sentries were placed at the edge of the forest, and cautioned to be vigilant to prevent a surprise.