Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

4B0 PRAISEWOllTHY DECISION IIKTUIIN. June On this trying occasion Captain Seymour animadverted on the thoughtless conduct of a few who talked of what ought to be done, as if they were on equal terms with those whose authority at such a time was more than ever necessary ; and who, in their unguarded conversations, heeded not who was listening, or which of their inferiors might be influenced by their opinions. He reminded them of the treacherous and often hostile disposition of those Indians who then surrounded them, and were daily increasing in numbers ; and made known not only his own determination to stay by the stores, at all hazards, but that those who attempted to desert should do so at the peril of their lives. He well knew that the majority (and that majority included all the worthiest and best) would stand by him to the last, and think little of difficulties or dangers incurred in doing their duty. After this well-timed public admonition not a word more was heard about " abandoning the stores, and making the best of the way to Concepcion." Neither was there again occasion to inflict punishment. This one act of necessary justice, exe- cuted so properly and decidedly, was probably the means of saving much property, of upholding character, and even of preserving many lives : for when once anarchy begins, who can foretel all its consequences ? Anxious to return as soon as possible to tell the Commodore how easily the Blonde might take off" both people and stores, at the mouth of the Leiibu, that he might lose no time in effecting the embarkation — I recrossed the river and was gallop- ing towards Quiapo, before noon (on the 24th) hoping to reach Arauco ere midnight ; and, certain of fresh horses, I and my two companions spared neither whip nor spur. Our guide dropped behind, but as we could find the path by our tracks of the previous day, we did not wait for him. Such ravines (quebradas) as we passed : how we got through them during the black darkness of the preceding night astonished me, for we could hardly scramble along in broad daylight : and had I known the nature of those passes, I certainly should not have tried to get through, excepting by day.