54 THE ADVENTURES OF 



putting down his load, taught Lucien how to handle his ; 

 showing him that a downward cut, if the weapon slipped or 

 met with but little resistance, might be dangerous. En- 

 chanted with his lesson, and cutting down several stalks at 

 a blow, our young pioneer soon opened for us an avenue 

 rather than a path. The thistles gradually became fewer. 

 Sumichrast walked in front, destroying the last obstacles 

 that severed us from the under-wood. 



It was now breakfast-time, and as we continued our 

 course we looked out for a favorable spot to halt at, when 

 the measured strokes of an axe fell upon our ears. This 

 noise told of the presence of wood-cutters, who were certain 

 to be provided with maize-cakes and beans ; so we resolved 

 to make our way up to them, and thus economize our own 

 resources. After an hour's difficult ascent, just as we were 

 despairing of reaching the Indian, whose axe had ceased to 

 sound, Lucien cried but : 



" Look, papa, there's a fire !" 



At the same moment Gringalet began bai-king furiously, 

 and a few paces more brought us to a burning charcoal- 

 oven. The charcoal-burner, who was surprised at our visit, 

 seized his long-handled axe. But the presence of the child 

 appeared to reassure him. 



" Good-morning, Don Jose," said I, using the common 

 name which is applied in Mexico to all the Indians. 



" God preserve you," replied he, speaking in broken 

 Spanish. 



" Are you all alone ?" 



" No. I have six companions." 



" Well, will one of you sell us some maize-cakes, and give 

 us some water ?" 



" We have neither water nor cakes." 



" I'm quite sure you will be able to find some," I replied, 

 placing a half -piastre in his hand. 



