CHAPTER I.

For California--Pernambuco--Straits of Magellan--Trading with Patagonians--Their treachery--Four men made prisoners by them--Three escape; the author detained, with promises of release on paying ransom--Indian village--The chief and his household--Eating, sleeping, and adventure in a Patagonian wigwam--Find myself booked for an indefinite residence in Patagonia, and some natural reflections thereupon 25