ever delivered in that sequestered valley, twine became a precious
and rare treasure. In default of any large supply being obtainable,
my lamp and candle-wick material was requisitioned by F--- (who, by
the way, is a perfect Uhlan for getting what he wants, when bent on
a sporting expedition); and lastly, one or two empty flour-sacks
were called for. You will see the use of this heterogeneous
collection presently.

It was of no use starting until the twilight had darkened into a
cloudy, moonless night; so, after our seven o'clock supper, we
adjourned into the verandah to watch F--- make a large round ball,
such as children play with, out of the scraps of worsted with which
I had furnished him. Instead of cutting the wool into lengths,
however, it was left in loops; and I learned that this is done to
afford a firm hold for the sharp needle-like teeth of an inquisitive
eel, who might be tempted to find out if this strange round thing,
floating near his hole, would be good to eat. I was impatient as a
child,--remember it was my first eel-fishing expedition,--and I
thought nine o'clock would never come, for I had been told to go and
dress at that hour; that is to say, I was to change my usual
station-costume, a pretty print gown, for a short linsey skirt,
strong boots and kangaroo-skin gaiters. F---, and our cadet, Mr.
U---, soon appeared, clad in shooting coats instead of their alpaca
costumes, and their trousers stuffed into enormous boots, the upper
leathers of which came beyond their knees.

"Are we going into the water?" I timidly inquired.

"Oh, no,--not at all: it is on account of the Spaniards."