132 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 



bronze, and to heighten this almost unearthly effect, the 

 forest trees that lined its most distant shores, rose up 

 like mountains of impenetrable darkness, against clouds 

 burning with fire. 



The thunder cracked and echoed through the hea- 

 vens, and the half starved wolf, nearly dead with fear, 

 mingled his cries of distress with the noises without, 

 startling us with the momentary conviction, that we 

 heard the voices of men in the agony of death. 



Hours passed away and the elements spent their 

 fury; and although the rain continued falling in tor- 

 rents, it was finally unaccompanied with lightning. So 

 sudden, indeed, were the extremes, that with your eyes 

 dilating with the glare of the heavens, you were, a mo- 

 ment after, surrounded by the most perfect darkness. 



Confused, bewildered, and soaking wet ; we followed 

 the stoical example of our Indian guide, and settling 

 down in a crouching attitude, waited most impatiently 

 for the light of the morning. 



The rain continued to descend in gusts, and the same 

 deep darkness was upon us ; my companions soon fell 

 asleep as soundly as if they were at home; the long 

 drawn respirations added to my misery. Wound up to 

 the highest pitch of impatience, I was about starting to 

 my feet to utter some angry complaint, when the In- 

 dian, whom I thought in a profound slumber, touched 

 me upon the arm, and with a peculiar sound, signified 

 that I must be silent and listen. 



