would give any exact clue as to the whereabouts of our travels, while the servants were all solemnly sworn to the same effect.  It is for this reason that I am compelled to be vague in my narrative, and I would warn my readers that in any map or diagram which I may give the relation of places to each other may be correct, but the points of the compass are carefully confused, so that in no way can it be taken as an actual guide to the country.  Professor Challenger’s reasons for secrecy may be valid or not, but we had no choice but to adopt them, for he was prepared to abandon the whole expedition rather than modify the conditions upon which he would guide us.

It was August 2nd when we snapped our last link with the outer world by bidding farewell to the Esmeralda.  Since then four days have passed, during which we have engaged two large canoes from the Indians, made of so light a material (skins over a bamboo framework) that we should be able to carry them round any obstacle.  These we have loaded with all our effects, and have engaged two additional Indians to help us in the navigation.  I understand that they are the very two—­Ataca and Ipetu by name—­who accompanied Professor Challenger upon his previous journey.  They appeared to be terrified at the prospect of repeating it, but the chief has patriarchal powers in these countries, and if the bargain is good in his eyes the clansman has little choice in the matter.

So to-morrow we disappear into the unknown.  This account I am transmitting down the river by canoe, and it may be our last word to those who are interested in our fate.  I have, according to our arrangement, addressed it to you, my dear Mr. McArdle, and I leave it to your discretion to delete, alter, or do what you like with it.  From the assurance of Professor Challenger’s manner—­and in spite of the continued scepticism of Professor Summerlee—­I have no doubt that our leader will make good his statement, and that we are really on the eve of some most remarkable experiences.

CHAPTER VIII

“The Outlying Pickets of the New World”

Our friends at home may well rejoice with us, for we are at our goal, and up to a point, at least, we have shown that the statement of Professor Challenger can be verified.  We have not, it is true, ascended the plateau, but it lies before us, and even Professor Summerlee is in a more chastened mood.  Not that he will for an instant admit that his rival could be right, but he is less persistent in his incessant objections, and has sunk for the most part into an observant silence.  I must hark back, however, and continue my narrative from where I dropped it.  We are sending home one of our local Indians who is injured, and I am committing this letter to his charge, with considerable doubts in my mind as to whether it will ever come to hand.