A YOUNG NATURALIST. 105 



many obstacles must be overcome, how many valleys must be 

 crossed, ere we could reach our destination ! 



We descended the slope by a giant staircase, each step of which 

 must have been at least seven or eight feet in height. More than 

 once, the lasso was called into use ; but all obstacles were at last 

 safely overcome. I cannot describe the joy I felt upon once more 

 seeing pine-trees. We sought in vain for any traces of the hurri- 

 cane ; this side of the mountain had evidently not been visited 

 by it. 



The slope was now more gradual ; our pace became faster, and a 

 few oaks were in sight. A rumbling noise made us stop and listen 

 attentively, but I'Encuerado, who was more expert than we were 

 in making out distant sounds, told us that it was a torrent. 

 Squirrels gamboled on the branches as we passed by, and toucans 

 seemed to tempt us to stop ; but we were all anxious to reach 

 the waterfall. Ere long oaks and birches, and afterwards guava 

 trees, surrounded us on every side. The ground was now level, 

 and, in less than half an hour, I'Encuerado conducted us to the 

 edge of an immense ravine, at the bottom of which there was a 

 roaring torrent. 



It was not long before the steep bank became less abrupt, and 

 we established our bivouac. Whilst we were cutting down some 

 branches, Sumichrast put his finger to his lips and seized his gun. 

 A slight noise was heard in the thickets, and our companion 

 disappeared. We were listening, holding our breath, when we 

 heard the screech as of an owl ; we knew it was a call, so I'En- 

 cuerado also glided away through the bushes. 



" Why did M. Sumichrast call I'Encuerado ^ " asked Lucien, in 

 a low voice. 



" Probably because he has discovered the trail of some animal." 



I had scarcely finished speaking, when a movement in the 

 leaves attracted my attention. A fine fox, with an eager look 

 and its tail lowered, rushed past me. I fired, but without effect, 

 for it bolted off among the trees, followed by G-ringalet. Almost 

 at the same moment, a report told me that I'Encuerado had also 

 seen game. 



Lucien was very sorry that I had missed the fox; I only 



