2o8 THE ADVENTURES OF 



The Indian led the way, followed by Lucien. 



" A foot-path ! " the boy suddenly cried out. 



" A mimosa ! " exclaimed Sumichrast, whose great height 

 towered over us all. 



" A hut ! " murmured I'Encuerado, stopping and holding his 

 finger to his lips. 



We looked at each other ; then, bending our steps towards 

 the spot pointed out by our companion, we each inspected the 

 thatched roof of which only the top was visible. 



With a rapid glance at my weapons I advanced carefully, 

 followed by Sumichrast. Lucien, I'Encuerado, and G-ringalet 

 brought up the rear. 



We really felt some degree of emotion; the idea of seeing any 

 human beings but ourselves quite made our hearts beat ; for were 

 we going to meet enemies or friends ? This was the important 

 question to be decided. 



The path soon became wider ; we were now scarcely two hun- 

 dred paces from the hut, and we were astonished not to hear the 

 barking of dogs, which generally prowl round an Indian's dwell- 

 ing. Sumichrast, who was now in front, came back. 



"This silence seems to me a bad omen," he said; "take care 

 we don't fall into some ambuscade ; I don't at all wish to be 

 robbed, or, worse still, murdered." 



Leaving the path to our left, we made our way among the 

 cacti. 



" Are we in a savage country ? " asked Lucien. 



" Possibly, and that is why we have to be so careful," I 

 answered. 



" Do you think any one will hurt us % " 



" The mere sight of our weapons might inspire the Indians 

 with a desire of obtaining them ; in a spot where every one can 

 do as he likes, there is nothing to prevent them stripping us and 

 sending us away naked." 



" They are not Christians, then ? " 



" Ah, Ghanito, they ought to be," muttered the Indian. 



And, taking off his load, we soon lost sight of him among the 

 underbush. 



