Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/492

434 compassion. It would appear that the ancient inhabitants of Peru had a similar custom, in divesting themselves of their slender beards; since in the museum of Lima there are several pairs of small silver pincers, which were found in their pagan temples, and which, according to the tradition of their descendants, were applied to the above purpose.

Father Girbal having partaken of the hospitalities of the Cacique, in company with several of the principal Conivos, and having made a few presents to his kind and liberal host, separated from him, full of satisfaction, to prosecute his voyage. On the 40th, a Cordillera, which, running S. E. and N. W. resembled that which forms the small strait of the Huallaga, was descried to the west. Notwithstanding the intercourse of our traveller with the Conivos had contributed not a little to tranquillize him, and had induced him to change his opinion relatively to these barbarians, still, considering that they might be alarmed by his sudden arrival in their towns, he ordered a canoe to advance, for the purpose of announcing his arrival.

On the 2d of October, the Indians by whom this canoe was navigated, brought information, that, in communicating the instructions they had received, to two of the inhabitants of Sarayacu, the latter had inquired whether they came escorted by soldiers; and that, on their receiving a reply in the negative, they had promised to impart the intelligence to their tribe. While this was passing, a canoe was descried with two men, who, as soon as the tokens of friendship had been made, approached with demonstrations of joy. These testimonies were sufficient to fix the resolution of father Girbal, who, without farther hesitation, proceeded in quest of the town, instead of waiting the expected reply. Under the guidance of the strangers, the canoes entered a large canal to the westward, contending against its current; and at the distance of a league, fell in with several other canoes, which had on board their cargoes of provisions, and had come out purposely to receive them. After many manifestations of tenderness and sincerity, the voyage was prosecuted, the canoes keeping company with each other, and navigating the canal until they reached the lake, at the distance of two leagues, at which it originated. They landed on its bank, where this first and inconsiderable population of Sarayacu is established, the town being surrounded by thick plantations of wood, to the end that the inhabitants may be under cover, and on the watch, to defend themselves from the pirates of Paro, Ene, Perene, &c. who infest the Ucayali, and plunder the Indian settlements made on its banks.

The reception was accompanied by all the splendour the wretched Panos could display. Alternating their songs, which were accompanied by the pipe and tabor, by dancings and clamorous rejoicings, they surrounded father Girbal, and