we would do well to think upon before we learn it, that sunshine in the soul is not dependent on the sunshine of this world, and when once the clouds descend, the brightest beams of all that earth contains cannot pierce them,—­God alone can touch these dark clouds with the finger of love and mercy, and say again, as He said of old, “Let there be light.”  A firm purpose, formed with heart and will, is cheering and invigorating to a depressed mind.  No sooner did the firm determination to escape or die enter into Martin’s heart, than he sprang from his seat, and, falling on his knees, prayed to God, in the name of our Redeemer, for help and guidance.  He had not the least idea of how he was to effect his escape, or of what he intended to do.  All he knew was that he had made up his mind to do so, if God would help him.  And under the strength of that resolve he soon recovered much of his former cheerfulness of disposition, and did his work among the savages with a degree of energy that filled them with surprise and respect.  From that day forth he never ceased to revolve in his mind every imaginable and unimaginable plan of escape, and to watch every event or circumstance, no matter how trifling, that seemed likely to aid him in his purpose.

Seeing that he was a very strong and active fellow, and that he had become remarkably expert in the use of the bow and the blow-pipe, the Indians now permitted Martin to accompany them frequently on their short hunting expeditions, so that he had many opportunities of seeing more of the wonderful animals and plants of the Brazilian forests, in the studying of which he experienced great delight.  Moreover, in the course of a few months he began to acquire a smattering of the Indian language, and was not compelled to live in constant silence, as had been the case at first.  But he carefully avoided the formation of any friendships with the youths of the tribe, although many of them seemed to desire it, considering that his doing so might in some way or other interfere with the execution of his great purpose.  He was civil and kind to them all, however, though reserved; and, as time wore away, he enjoyed much more liberty than was the case at first.  Still, however, he was watched by the tall savage, who was a surly, silent fellow, and would not be drawn into conversation.  Indeed he did not walk with Martin, but followed him wherever he went, during his hours of leisure, at a distance of a few hundred yards, moving when his prisoner moved, and stopping when he halted, so that Martin at last began to regard him more as a shadow than a man.

CHAPTER XXI

SAVAGE FEASTS AND ORNAMENTS—­MARTIN GROWS DESPERATE, AND MAKES A BOLD ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE

Hunting and feasting were the chief occupations of the men of the tribe with whom Martin sojourned.  One day Martin was told that a great feast was to take place, and he was permitted to attend.  Accordingly, a little before the appointed time he hastened to the large hut in and around which the festivities were to take place, in order to witness the preparations.