Our travellers remained a month longer at Cumana. As they had determined to make a voyage on the Orinoco and Rio Negro, preparations of various kinds were necessary; and the astronomical determination of places being the most important object of this undertaking, it was of essential advantage to observe an eclipse of the sun which was to happen in the end of October.

On the 27th, the day before the obscuration, they went out in the evening, as usual, to take the air. Crossing the beach which separates the suburb of the Guayquerias from the landing-place, they heard the sound of footsteps behind, and on turning saw a tall Zambo, who, coming up, flourished a great palm-tree bludgeon over Humboldt's head. He avoided the stroke by leaping aside; but Bonpland was less fortunate, for, receiving a blow above the temple, he was felled to the ground. The former assisted his companion to rise, and both now pursued the ruffian, who had run off with one of their hats, and on being seized, drew a long knife from his trousers. In the mean time some Biscayan merchants, who were walking on the shore, came to their assistance; when the Zamho, seeing himself surrounded, took to his heels and sought refuge in a cowhouse, from which he was led to prison. The inhabitants showed the warmest concern for the strangers, and although Bonpland had a fever during the night he speedily recovered.