descending nearer and nearer to the sea level. During this first
stage hardly a word was spoken by any one; but when she was again
taken from her mule she was in tears. The poor servant-girl, too,
was almost prostrate with fatigue, and absolutely unable to wait
upon her mistress, or even to do anything for herself. Nevertheless
they did make the second stage, seeing that their mid-day resting
place had been under the trees of the forest. Had there been any
hut there, they would have remained for the night.

On the following day they rested altogether, though the place at
which they remained had but few attractions. It was another forest
hut inhabited by an old Spanish couple who were by no means willing
to give them room, although they paid for their accommodation at
exorbitant rates. It is one singularity of places strange and out
of the way like such forest tracks as these, that money in small
sums is hardly valued. Dollars there were not appreciated as
sixpences are in this rich country. But there they stayed for a
day, and the guides employed themselves in making a litter with long
poles so that they might carry Mrs. Arkwright over a portion of the
ground. Poor fellows! When once she had thus changed her mode of
conveyance, she never again was lifted on to the mule.

There was strong reason against this day's delay. They were to go
down the Serapiqui along with the post, which would overtake them on
its banks. But if the post should pass them before they got there,
it could not wait; and then they would be deprived of the best canoe
on the water. Then also it was possible, if they encountered
further delay, that the steamer might sail from Greytown without
them, and a month's residence at that frightful place be thus made
necessary.