In the mean time, I corrected my son's notions on the power of this animal to lance its darts when in danger.

This is a popular error; nature has given it a sufficient protection in its defensive and offensive armour.
As Jack earnestly desired to carry his booty with him, I carefully imbedded the body in soft grass, to preserve the quills; then packed it in strong cloth, and placed it on the ass behind Francis.
At last, we arrived at the end of our journey,--and, certainly, the size of the trees surpassed anything I could have imagined.

Jack was certain they were gigantic walnut-trees; for my own part, I believed them to be a species of fig-tree--probably the Antilles fig.

But all thanks were given to the kind mother who had sought out such a pleasant home for us; at all events, we could find a convenient shelter among the roots.

And, if we should ever succeed in perching on the branches, I told her we should be safe from all wild beasts.