on the eastern coast and get to Buenos Ayres, where we can soon
organize a detachment of men, with Major McNabbs at their head,
strong enough to tackle all the Indians in the Argentine provinces."

"That's capital, my Lord," said John Mangles, "and I may add,
that there is no danger whatever crossing the continent."

"Monsieur Paganel," asked Lady Helena, "you have no fear then
that if the poor fellows have fallen into the hands of the Indians
their lives at least have been spared."

"What a question? Why, madam, the Indians are not anthropophagi!
Far from it. One of my own countrymen, M. Guinnard,
associated with me in the Geographical Society, was three years
a prisoner among the Indians in the Pampas. He had to endure
sufferings and ill-treatment, but came off victorious at last.
A European is a useful being in these countries.
The Indians know his value, and take care of him as if he were
some costly animal."

"There is not the least room then for hesitation,"
said Lord Glenarvan. "Go we must, and as soon as possible.
What route must we take?"

"One that is both easy and agreeable," replied Paganel.
"Rather mountainous at first, and then sloping gently down
the eastern side of the Andes into a smooth plain, turfed and
graveled quite like a garden."

"Let us see the map?" said the Major.