A YOUNG NATURALIST. 321 



wards the spot pointed out by our companion, we each in- 

 spected the thatched roof, of which only the top was vis- 

 ible. 



With a rapid glance at my weapons I advanced carefully, 

 followed by Sumichrast. Lucien, 1'Encuerado, and Gringa- 

 let brought up the rear. 



We really felt some degree of emotion ; the idea of see- 

 ing any human beings but ourselves quite made our hearts 

 beat ; for were we going to meet enemies or friends ? This 

 was the important question to be decided. 



The path soon became wider ; we were now scarcely two 

 hundred paces from the hut, and we were astonished not 

 to hear the barking of dogs, which generally prowl round 

 an Indian's dwelling. Sumichrast, who was now in front, 

 came back. 



" This silence seems to me a bad omen," he said ; " take 

 care we don't fall into some ambuscade ; I don't at all wish 

 to be robbed, or, worse still, murdered." 



Leaving the path to our left, we made our way among 

 the cacti, 



" Are we in a savage country ?" asked Lucien. 



" Possibly, and that is why we have to be so careful," I 

 answered. 



" Do you think any one will hurt us ?" 



" The mere sight of our weapons might inspire the In- 

 dians with a desire of obtaining them ; in a spot where ev- 

 ery one can do as he likes, there is nothing to prevent them 

 stripping us and sending us away naked." 



" They are not Christians, then?" 



" Ah, Chanito, they ought to be," muttered the Indian. 



And, taking off his load, we soon lost sight of him among 

 the under-brush. 



Under any other circumstances, Lucien's frightened look, 

 when he saw us take so many precautions in approaching a 

 14* 



