A word, a sign from Nuflo was enough for her to know the direction to take--the distant forest or still more distant mountain near which we should have to pass.

She would hasten on and be lost to our sight, and when there was a forest in the way she would explore it, resting in the shade and finding her own food; but invariably she was before us at each resting- or camping-place.
Indian villages were seen during the journey, but only to be avoided; and in like manner, if we caught sight of Indians travelling or camping at a distance, we would alter our course, or conceal ourselves to escape observation.

Only on one occasion, two days after setting out, were we compelled to speak with strangers.

We were going round a hill, and all at once came face to face with three persons travelling in an opposite direction--two men and a woman, and, by a strange fatality, Rima at that moment happened to be with us.

We stood for some time talking to these people, who were evidently surprised at our appearance, and wished to learn who we were; but Nuflo, who spoke their language like one of themselves, was too cunning to give any true answer.