432 THE ADVENTURES OF 



Some birds were singing in the branches as we hurried on, 

 but I had made up my mind to shoot the first one large 

 enough to make a meal for my brave little companion and 

 self. 



In spite of my efforts, I could not succeed in hiding my 

 grave presentiments ; but my son's prattle, which was even 

 gayer than usual, quite justified the name of " Sunbeam " 

 given him by Sumichrast. 



" Don't be so serious," said he to me, suddenly ; " you 

 need not be distressed about me. I have already guessed 

 that we are lost ; but I am with you, and I am not a bit 

 afraid but that we shall soon find our way again." 



The poor child had not the least suspicion of the danger. 

 Every moment, too, tears came into my eyes, and I felt my 

 courage getting weaker ; I made a strong effort to dispel 

 my thoughts, and vowed that I would strive on with faith 

 and energy to the last hour. 



" L'Encuerado will be sure to find us," said Lucien, with 

 such an air of conviction that I could not help sharing his 

 confidence. 



" Yes," I answered ; " Sumichrast and 1'Encuerado will 

 find us or die in the attempt. It can not be possible " 

 I had not courage to finish my sentence. 



We commenced our march again with increased energy. 



" Look out !" cried Lucien, suddenly ; " it seems to me 

 as if some one were moving the branches close by." 



" It is a monkey," said I ; and off I went in pursuit of 

 the animal, which, leaping from branch to branch, seemed 

 to set us at defiance. Suddenly it uttered a guttural cry, 

 and was answered by twenty more. I hid behind a tree, 

 and told Lucien to keep silent. Two or three times the 

 active creatures moved farther away, but at last they came 

 so close that I could fire safely. I never, I think, took more 

 pains with my aim ; the gun went off, and the band scat- 



