THE ADVENTURES OF 



But this mishap soon became a most serious affair, as the 

 sneezing seemed as if it never would end, and our skin, eyes, and 

 mouth commenced to burn as if in a fever. On this occasion we 

 did not care even to construct a hut or light a fire, but were only 

 too glad to lie down on the bare cold ground, and seek in sleep 

 some respite from our sufferings. 



Lucien, although very exhausted, endured his sufferings with 

 such courage as made me proud of him. Uncomplaining, he 

 soon went off to sleep ; but to myself and companion such a 

 luxury was refused. 



At length, almost desperate, I woke up the Indian. Our faces 

 had continued to swell, but the Mistec, regarding me with a 

 stupefied look, simply grunted, and turned round to sleep again. 

 However, it became important that we should have a fire lit, to 

 enable us to prepare our coffee : as for eating, I looked upon it as 

 an impossible matter. With a slowness and awkwardness which I 

 could not overcome, I succeeded in lighting some dry branches, 

 and at length in making the water boil. I then called my com- 

 panions ; they drank the refreshing beverage, without showing 

 any sign that they were conscious of the service I was rendering 

 them, for immediately afterwards they again went to sleep. 



It was at least ten o'clock by the sun when Lucien set us the 

 example of rising. Suffering as we were, it was no use to think 

 of resuming our journey ; so we made a virtue of necessity, and 

 remained stationary until we felt more fit to endure fatigue. 



In the afternoon, Sumichrast and Lucien complained that they 

 were famished, which was an excellent symptom ; so we took 

 our guns, and following in Indian file, ascended the course of 

 the stream. 



We met with several pools of water, and then rocks strangely 

 piled on one another, which had slipped down from the moun- 

 tains above. I climbed the bank, feeling disposed to be content 

 with the first game which presented itself. However, I could see 

 nothing but some toucans, far too wary to get within gunshot of 

 At last a squirrel presented itself — a poor pittance for five hungry 

 stomachs. 



Sumichrast, who had gone on in front, suddenly stopped, and 



