Johnston McCulley

“ And you must escape a hateful marriage. Wherefore, we must turn our faces toward the Great South Sea and win through, though perils by the score confront us. Tarama, good native, always will be near. He will be guide and guard for us, for the wilderness is his hearth-stone."
Now they had reached the bank of a tiny but turbulent stream, and Botello picked his lady up in his arms again and waded through the water, and on the other side he put her on her feet, and they continued through the black jungle. ”

“ Before the bunk stood Fray Felipe, who raised his hand as they entered; and Tarama closed the door behind them and glided behind the bole of a palm outside to watch for enemies.
A man of fifty was Fray Felipe, and of ordinary stature. Cities and towns were not to his liking—even such a hamlet as Antigua. So here, at the edge of the wilderness, he had built his hut, and here he lived for the greater part of the time. His work was his own. having to do with the natives, and he walked abroad through the wilderness without fear of harm, since all natives were his friends. ”

“ The brush before them cracked, and Botello stopped and drew his rapier, putting Inez quickly behind him.
"Master!" came a hiss.
"I am here, good Tarama."
"I have thrown them off and circled, master; yet they will be on the trail before long, mayhap. There are natives loyal to the governor who know the wilderness as well as I and can pick up a trail other men would not see."
"Go ahead, Tarama, to the hut of Fray Felipe, and tell him we come, and wherefore." ”

“ Even as priest, I counsel you to make good your escape and join your comrades at the Great South Sea. Out at elbows they are, and half-starved at times, yet they are gentlemen true who always have been God-fearing and courageous and loyal. ”

“ They will pursue, knowing we are making for the camp of De Balboa. We will be unable to follow even the uncertain jungle trail, for fear of discovery. And there are natives who are hostile when they find one or two men of Spain abroad in the great wilderness. ”