140 THE ADVENTURES OF 



wood, shouting and whistling, and breaking down all the 

 trees as he went along." 



" I wish that was all," replied Sumichrast ; " but it's 

 something much worse ; it is the south wind, the sirocco of 

 the Mexican coast." 



" Will it sweep us away, M. Sumichrast ?" 

 " I hope not ; thanks to the rock which shields us." 

 A tree now fell close to us, and covered us with dust. 

 Clingling lightly to one another, every moment brought 

 with it a fresh anxiety. We dared not speak of our feel- 

 ings, for fear of frightening our young companion, who 

 pressed close up to me. Amidst the universal destruction 

 going on, it only needed a branch driven by the squall to 

 dislodge our shelter, for us to be swept away like chaff be- 

 fore the wind. I had witnessed many a hurricane, but this 

 fearful night exceeded all. 



At last daylight appeared; the sun rose gloomily, and 

 exposed the disasters of the terrible night. On every side 

 trees, broken and uprooted, lay prostrate on the ground, or, 

 half suspended by the creepers entangled in their branches, 

 were balanced like the formidable battering-rams of the an- 

 cients. Lucien was speechless at the sight before his eyes. 

 A sudden cracking noise was heard, and another forest gi- 

 ant slowly bent over, and, describing a rapid curve, crush- 

 ed its branches against the ground ; ten seconds destroyed 

 the work of centuries. 



L'Encuerado attempted to go two or three yards beyond 

 our rock; but, surprised by a sudden gust, he had but just 

 time to throw himself prostrate on the ground to prevent 

 being swept away. Something, however, had to be done ; 

 it was no use trying to light a fire, and yet, after yesterday's 

 fast and a sleepless night, we felt great need of some com- 

 forting beverage. The squalls gradually abated, but were 

 still every now and then violent. Intervals of profound si- 



