It is impossible to say how many species of Crocodilidae inhabit the waters of the South American continent. There are three in the Amazon alone; but it is quite probable that in some of its more remote tributaries there exist other distinct species, since the three above mentioned do not all dwell in the same portion of this mighty stream. The Amazonian Indians speak of many more species, and believe in their existence. No doubt the Indians are right.
In the other systems of South American waters, as those of the La Plata, the Orinoco, and the Magdalena, species exist that are not known to the Amazon. Even in the isolated water deposits of Lake Valencia Humboldt discovered the bava, a curious little crocodile not noted elsewhere. The three Amazonian reptiles, though having a strong resemblance in general aspect, are quite distinct as regards the species. In the curious and useful dialect of that region, understood alike by Indians and Portuguese, they are all called Jacarés, though they are specifically distinguished as the Jacaré-uassú the Jacaré-tinga , and the Jacaré-curúa . Of the first kind was that which had pursued the two swimmers, and it was one of the largest of its species, full twenty-five feet from the point of its bony snout to the tip of its serrated tail. No wonder they got out of its way!
Chapter Twenty Six Treed by an Alligator
their return would be impatiently expected. They could by shouting have made themselves heard, but not with sufficient distinctness to be understood. The matted tree-tops intervening would have prevented this. They thought it better to be silent, lest their shouts might cause alarm. Richard hoped that the alligator would soon glide back to the haunt whence it had sallied, and leave them at liberty to continue their journey, but the Mundurucú was not so sanguine.
There was something in the behaviour of the jacaré he did not like, especially when he saw it quartering the water as if in search of the creatures that had disappeared so mysteriously.
Surely it wont lie in wait for us? was the first question put by his companion. You dont think it will?
I do, young master, I do. That is just what troubles the Mundurucú. He may keep us here for hours, perhaps till the sun goes down.
That would be anything but pleasant, perhaps more so to those who are waiting for us than to ourselves. What can we do?
Nothing at present. We must have patience, master.
For my part, I shall try, replied the Paraense; but its very provoking to be besieged in this fashion, separated by only a few hundred yards from ones friends, and yet unable to rejoin or communicate with them.
Ah! I wish the Curupira had him. I fear the brute is going to prove troublesome. The Mundurucú can read evil in his eye. Look! he has come to a stand. He sees us! No knowing now when he will grow tired of our company.
But has it sense enough for that?
Sense! Ah! cunning, master may call it, when he talks of the jacaré. Surely, young master, you know that, you who are a Paraense born and bred? You must know that these reptiles will lie in wait for a whole week by a bathing-place, watching for a victim, some helpless child, or even a grown man, who has been drinking too much cashaca . Ah yes! manys the man the jacaré has closed his deadly jaws upon.
Well, I hope this one wont have that opportunity with us. We mustnt give it.
Not if we can help it, rejoined the Indian. But we must be quiet, young master, if we expect to get out of this fix in any reasonable time. The jacaré has sharp ears, small though they look. He can hear every word we are saying; ay, and if one were to judge by the leer in his ugly eye, he understands us.
At all events, it appears to be listening.
So the conversation sank to silence, broken only by an occasional whisper, and no gesture even made communication, for they saw the leering look of the reptile fixed steadily upon them. Almost two hours passed in this tantalising and irksome fashion.
The sun had now crossed the meridian line, and was declining westward. The jacaré had not stirred from the spot. It lay like a log upon the water, its lurid eyes alone proclaiming its animation. For more than an hour it had made no visible movement, and their situation was becoming insupportable.
But what can we do? asked Richard, despairingly.
We must try to travel through the tree-tops, and get to the other side. If we can steal out of his sight and hearing, all will be well. The Mundurucú is angry with himself; he didnt think of this before. He was fool enough to hope the jacaré would get tired first. He might have known better, since the beast has tasted blood. That or hunger makes him such a stanch sentinel. Come, young master! added the Indian, rising from his seat, and laying hold of a branch. We must make a journey through the tree-tops. Not a word, not a broken bough if you can help it. Keep close after me; watch what I do, and do you exactly the same.
All right, Munday, muttered the Paraense. Lead on, old boy! Ill do my best to follow you.