32 THE ADVENTURES OF 



" If my advice had been taken," broke in I'Encuerado, " he 

 would have had a pair of leathern pantaloons, which wouldn't 

 suffer from such contingencies. Never mind, Chanito, we '11 

 mend them with the skin of the first squirrel which comes within 

 reach of my gun." 



We were now passing through a dark gorge full of thick brush- 

 wood. In front of us rose a wooded mountain, which we had to 

 climb. The shrubs were succeeded by gigantic thistles, which 

 compelled us to advance with extreme care. These troublesome 

 plants grew so thickly that we were obliged to use our knives to 

 clear a passage. L'Encuerado, 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. Enchanted 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. Sumiohrast walked in front, destroying the last obstacles 

 that severed us from the underwood. 



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

 looked out for a favourable spot to halt at, when the measured 

 strokes of an axe fell upon our ears. This noise told of the pre- 

 sence 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 economise our own resources. After an hour's 

 difiicult ascent, just as we were despairing of reaching the Indian, 

 whose axe had ceased to sound, Lucien cried out — 

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



At the same moment Gringalet began barking 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 Jos6," 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." 



