panic.

When it was sure the wretches were gone, our friends made their
preparations for leaving the spot, for nothing was clearer than that
such was the wisest step to take.

It will be borne in mind that all the trouble had taken place on the
left bank of the Xingu, no savages having been observed on the western
bank. The daring of the savages could not be questioned. They had
faced death repeatedly, and now, that they had the strongest of all
motives--revenge--to prompt them, they were sure to use every means
possible to bring about the ruin of the whites and their three native
companions.

The forest, extending so close to the river, was a constant menace, for
it afforded the best kind of shelter. Indeed, had the savages been
less courageous and kept among the trees, taking a stealthy shot as the
chance offered, they would have had a much better chance of doing what
they wished and with less risk to themselves.

The javelins flung in blind desperation went wide of their mark, with
the exception of one which whizzed over the canoe within a few inches
of Bippo's head. The fellow was peeping furtively above the luggage,
and heard the whizz of the missile passing fearfully close. He
instantly ducked with such emphasis that he almost broke his nose
against the bottom of the craft.

Striking the water beyond, the spear sank as abruptly as if it were a
cannon ball.