The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1852-04-17
THE TIGERS CAVE,
HUNTING ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AMERICA.

HUNTING ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AMERICA.
About three years since, after ailort resi-
dtnce in Mexico. embarked for Guavaquil.
in order to visit from thence the celebrated
mountains Of Quito. On arriving at Guava-
quill. found there two travellers who were
preparing to take the same route. These
were Capt.Wharton, an English naval officer.
andavolrfg midshipman named Lincoln The
frigate which Wharton commanded had suf-
frred considerably in her voyage through the
South Seas: and as it was now undergoing
the necessary repairs, Wharton resolved to
devote some of his leisure time to visiting the
forests and mountains of Quito. 1t was quick
ly agreed that we should make the Journey
together. | found Wharton frank. open
hearted man; and his Young tavoritc Lincoln.
youth of eighteen, had handsome sun
burnt countenance, with an expression of de-
termincd bravery
We set out on a fine clear morning. attcn-
ded by my huntsman. Frank. and two Tndi-
ans as guides. On beginning to ascend the
mountain. the scenery became more enclant-
ing at every step. The mighty Andes. like
vast amphiiheatre covered to their SUBMITS
with gigantic forests, lowered aloft; the snow
crested Chimborazo reared its proud front
the terrific Cotopaxi sent forth volumes of
smoke and flame: and innumcrahlc other
mountains, branching from the far->prca,linc
Cor'llIleras, faded away in the distance. With
an involuntary shudl-r. | entered the narrow
path that leads into the magnificent forest
The monkics lcapcd from branch to branch
the paroqucts chartered incesSantlv. and III,
eagles. from amidst the tall expresses. where
they had built their nests. sent down a wild
crv The farther we advanced. new olirr..
presented themselves on every side the state
" palms. with their broad >wnrl-iikc leaves
the SINGULAR soap-trrc the splendid monnaIia
tree; the tall wax-trcc, and the evergreen
OAK. reared themselves proudIv over the or
angr-"rovcS with whose fragrance waS hlcn-
died the aromatic perfume Of the vanilla.
Towarl>cvrnin- our .nilrS began TO quick
en- fhri" ''ar". and We FASTENED as,cr th.m.-
u ~l"r' t:ue. tl,"v uttered 4 shout of 10Y.
t,-'.
b, Ia. 'i.r't "f = larry" f~r. VIII h wa< knIIr,l
:" ar "''''" >,a~" oF.''.. E,"r$.. w.: dos ,;,.l
''''' !..l:... ;''.r. ,ns; .:...... :.,.., -
e~,', 90. %" 'ru,t, ~. .~cr~. A:-.'' !. -.
;. ..., ID ',.li To- . ."rl> T.. :-..
was cn;n"v"d III rr!:!rni>hi," III" frr. ans
wcrcd the cry of onr guides in similar tone:
and after short conference. we were con
dnrtrd into one of the huts. whore we passed
the night
Early in the morning. we AGAIN resumed
our way through the deep shade of the forest
and in due time stopped to enjoy rcpaSt mn
der hroad-!cavcd palm. Suddenly one Of
the Indians motioncd us to he slcnt.and bend
ing his ear to the ground. appeared to he lis
tening to some sound. which. however, was
nnhear'l by MS. We paused. and attcntvclv
watched his moiions In few minutes he a
rose. and hcckoncA ns to follow him into the
forest; he stopped often, and laid his car to
the gronnd. and shortly after we heard fc-
male voice shrickinc for help. We hurried
on, with difficulty restraining our vonnc mid
shipman from advancing before the rest of
the party, and had proceeded hut a short wav
when the shrek was repeated close beside us.
We stopped on motion from our guides
who, parting gently the intervening bouehs
gave to view scene which caused us hastily
to grasp onr arms.
In an open space blazcd large fire, round
which were seated several men in tattcrcd
uniforms : they were armed, and appeared IN
be holding consultation regarding beauti-
: ful Indian girl who was bound with cords to 4
tree. The Indians prepared their bows and
arrows, bnt we beckoncd them to dcsist nnti]
we gave the signal of attack. On the termi.
nation of the conference. one of the men an.
preached the girl, and said-"So YOU will no,
conduct us to your village ::
No" answered the young Indian, firmly
but sobhng.
/ Good child" he replied. with scornfn
laugh, $50 you will not be persuaded to lead
US to your hut? ?"
NO." she again replied.
I've shall see how long the bird will sinc
to this tune"
And with these words, the ruffan snatchct
brand from the fire, and again approache,
her. We fastened to get ready our guns
but the impetuosity of Lincoln could not be
restrained,and casting his from him,he sprung
forward Just as the brand had touched the
shoulder of the girl, and struck the villar
lifele,s to the earth. At the same time tht
Indian arrows whistlcd through the air, ant
wounded two of the others.bu not, it appear
ed, dangerously, as they fled with their terri
fed comrades
Our midshipman, meanwhile, had unbound
the girl, who, the instant she was free, knel
before him. and poured out her gratitude II
the most impa>>ioncd language We Iearnec
that her name was Yanna. and that her pa
rents 'lwclt il village in one of the deepes
r'...r>>rS Of the .orc>,-tl,at she had left hen