However,
we passed from the extreme danger zone into the comparatively smooth
waters of the flooded lands. So we drove on, our drivers and guides
becoming more and more chilled with the rain and cold, but always
cheerful, till at last wire fencing and other signs of civilisation
marked our approach to the precincts of Las Gamas. This was indeed a
welcome sight to the party, for all were beginning to feel the need of
food and shelter, and though the "passengers" in the coaches were
comparatively dry, despite the continual downpour, the drivers were wet
through long ago and the peons had not been dry since dawn.
[Illustration: _Tannin Extract Factory._]
No one was sorry when "The Jehu," to shorten the drive, ordered some of
the wire fencing to be dropped so that we might proceed in a straight
line to the house instead of making the considerable detour to the gate.
It was past three o'clock when, after a side-slip or two, and consequent
meeting with gate-posts, we drew up in front of the estancia house and
noticed on the outbuildings a damp flag trying to flap a weary "welcome"
to the party of Tacuruers. The first thing was to get The Jehu from his
driving seat and into a warm bath, and the same treatment was meted out
to The Chaperon, and hot whisky and water for all! Our host and hostess
gave us such a genial welcome and the big room looked so dry and
inviting, with a wood fire crackling in the grate, that our troubles,
which had, during the long hours of to-day's tedious drive, assumed
really serious proportions, were soon forgotten as we sat down, in an
incredibly short time, to a hearty meal of roast turkey and mince pies!
We almost fell to wishing each other a Happy Christmas, and
instinctively wondered if roast chestnuts would form part of the
afternoon's programme.
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