142 CENTRAL AMERICA. 



when lie said he could go no further, for in 

 another minute or two he should tumble out 

 of his saddle, and that he only wanted a 

 few minutes' sleep, after which he would be 

 ready for the rest of the night. Picking out 

 the clearest spot we could find at hand in 

 the forest, we dismounted, and my friend, 

 throwing his pillions, or sheep-skins on the 

 ground, was fast asleep before we had even 

 decided what to do with the horses, so we 

 left him where he was, and the Indian and I 

 led the three horses to the nearest spot 

 where they could pick up a little food, and 

 having secured them with our lassos, returned 

 to the sleeper, carrying our own pillions and 

 my pistols. On arriving at the place where 

 he was lying, we found him in rather a 

 perilous position, as at least a dozen cuyotes 

 were round him, with their noses sniffing 

 and smelling at him, but he perfectly un- 

 conscious of their close vicinity : we both 

 flung our sheep-skins right in the middle of 

 the group, which startled them, as well as my 

 sleeping friend, who, jumping up, was rather 

 surprised at finding himself in such company. 

 It was well we arrived when we did, for they 

 seemed to be on the point of pitching into 

 him, and I was afraid of making use of my 



