there was the commandant of the fort, to whom the small house
belonged. He was looking to the passports of our friends, and with
due diligence endeavouring to make something of the occasion, by
discovering fatal legal impediments to the further prosecution of
their voyage, which impediments would disappear on the payment of
certain dollars. And then there were half a dozen Costa Rican
soldiers, men with coloured caps and old muskets, ready to support
the dignity and authority of the commandant. There were the guides
taking payment from Abel Ring for their past work, and the postmen
preparing their boats for the further journey. And then there was a
certain German there, with a German servant, to whom the boats
belonged. He also was very busy preparing for the river voyage. He
was not going down with them, but it was his business to see them
well started. A singular looking man was he, with a huge shaggy
beard, and shaggy uncombed hair, but with bright blue eyes, which
gave to his face a remarkable look of sweetness. He was an uncouth
man to the eye, and yet a child would have trusted herself with him
in a forest.

At this place they remained some two hours. Coffee was prepared
here, and Mrs. Arkwright refreshed herself and her child. They
washed and arranged their clothes, and when she stepped down the
steep bank, clinging to her husband's arm as she made her way
towards the boat, she smiled upon him as he looked at her.

"It is all over now,--is it not, my girl?"--he said, encouraging
her.

"Oh, Harry, do not talk about it," she answered, shuddering.