CHAPTER XIX.
THE JOURNEY'S END.
The explorers, bearing the canoe with the luggage upon their shoulders, ascended at a steady gait the western bank of the Xingu.

The cleared space which they had noticed on both sides of the river, caused by the furious overflow, continued, so that the progress was comparatively easy.
The din of the rapids was so loud that they could not have heard each other, except by shouting at the top of their voices, for which there was no call, since even Bippo and Pedros were now able to read the full meaning of the extraordinary incidents of the night.
Ashman looked around and ascertained that Ziffak was not bearing them company.

None of the savages were in sight, though all would have been as eager as tigers to rend the white men to shreds had such permission been given.
The absence of the great leader caused no uneasiness on the part of any one of our friends.

Strange indeed, would it have been had they felt any distrust of him after his late interference.
The sun appeared while the party were still pushing forward.

The sky was as clear as on the preceding day, and, though the temperature was quite warm, it was not unpleasantly so.