AN ESCORT OF CAYEUTES. 337 



aiming at them a single shot. Sometimes, too, I caught 

 sight of a stag, emerging from a growth of tall grasses, 

 but always out of range. 



Several troops of cranes flew above my head, and I 

 iired in their direction. Though I thought I heard the 

 shot rattle among their feathers, I had not the satisfaction 

 of seeing a single one of them fall. 



These were the only living creatures I met with, ex- 

 cept a few horned frogs ; filthy animals, which, at any 

 other time, would have excited in me an insurmountable 

 disgust. But I was devoured by hunger, and turning to 

 advantage the little energy I still retained, I limped about 

 collecting this horrible provision. 



I am forgetting, however, to speak of the cnyeutes. 

 These animals followed me at a distance, ready to throw 

 themselves upon me, and tear me to pieces, as soon as 

 they saw me fall. I employed every device I could think 

 of to bring them within range; but they were too cun- 

 ning and suspicious to be caught by my wiles. Following 

 me, step by step, like famished ghouls, they seemed gifted 

 with second sight, and to foreknow my death. Every 

 time I turned to see if my shadow fell behind me, I was 

 sure to discern them at a certain distance ; and every night 

 I heard them prowling at my side, giving vent to their 

 sinister howls. 



At last the frogs failed, as the water and the snails 

 had done. The further I advanced into the plain, the 

 more I felt myself succumbing to fatigue ajid thirst and 

 hunger. 



Nevertheless, I still dragged myself along. 



The noise of a crane, which flapped its wings prepara- 

 tory to .taking flight, resounded on my excited and ovcr- 

 22 



