CHAPTER IX

PERUVIAN INDIANS

Lieutenant Smyth, R.N.--The H.M.S. _Samarang_ survey--A rash offer--The Jevero Indians--The guides' opinion of their employers--How the mountain Indians defy hunger--Coca balls--A gruesome neighbourhood--_Alma perdida_--Up the Huallaga River--Manatee hunters--Trouble caused by the guides--Smyth's presence of mind 119