644 VENEZUELA. 



only to encounter the breath of the simoom, the sufferings of 

 burning thirst, the attacks of wild beasts, the bite of the 

 matacabello — which may kill his steed and leave him helpless 

 — and many other dangers, but, more fearful than all, flames 

 caused by some camp-fire incautiously left burning, seizing 

 the parched vegetation, traverse the plain with inconceivable 

 rapidity. He and his Indian guides, without whom he 

 could not venture across it, discover far away on the horizon 

 columns of smoke ascending to the skies. The Indians, 

 standing up in their stirrups, gaze at it anxiously for a 

 moment to watch its direction, and then pressing their steeds 

 to their utmost speed, urge him to fly for life. At first he 

 can scarcely believe that yon distant line of smoke is menacing 

 them with danger ; but soon onwards it comes, the burning 

 torrent rolling rapidly towards them. Now and then they 

 turn their heads to watch its progress. In vain they look out 

 in every direction for a darker patch in the jjlain, which may 

 indicate a water pool, and amid which they may seek refuge. 

 None appears. On they rush, urging their horses by whip 

 and spur — their steeds seeming to know their danger. Already 

 they see the bright glare of the flames below the dark mass 

 of smoke. Already the bursting and crackling of the leaves, 

 as the threatening column rushes on, reaches their ears. A 

 fearful death is following them. At length the sharp eyes of 

 one of the guides discover a slight eminence ; towards this, 

 though almost despairing of safety, they direct their course. 

 They reach its base. It is but thinly covered with vegeta- 

 tion. Scarcely have they urged up their panting horses to the 

 summit than the flames overtake them. And now the sea of 

 fire rolls its devourino: billows around, and the suflfbcatini]: 

 smoke, striking in their faces, compels them to fall on the 



