THE ADVENTURES OF 



I know men like you mean what they say ; nevertheless, if you 

 like I will make an exchange." 



"What could you give me?" replied Tombio, with affected 

 indifference ; " I don't want any of your birds, and my gun is 

 quite as good as yours, if not better." 



" That 's true enough, therefore say no more about it." 



And I continued to follow my guide, who walked slowly on. 

 He soon turned round again. 



" The magic glass," said he, with a great effort. 



" Come ! now we 've got to the point," murmured Sumichrast. 



" It is a bargain, if your powder is good," said I. 



" Will you really give the glass to me?" cried the Indian, his 

 eyes lighting up with joy. 



" I am always a man of my word," I replied. 



Torribio hurried on so fast that Lucien was obliged to run in 

 order to keep up with us. After crossing the stream, our guide 

 conducted us to his hut, and showed us four cases of American 

 powder which was quite sound, and more than five or six pounds 

 of assorted shot. 



I was overjoyed at this discovery ; but I maintained an in- 

 difference quite equal to that of our guide, who was squatting 

 down on the ground with his chin resting between his knees. 



" Here is the telescope," I said. 



His features remained perfectly motionless, but his eyes 

 sparkled and his hand trembled slightly as he seized the object 

 of his longing. I showed him how to use and clean the insta'u- 

 ment ; then, loaded with the boxes, which were so precious to 

 me, and followed by my companions, I returned to Coyotepec's 

 dwelling. 



" Why didn't Torribio say at once that he was willing to 

 exchange his powder for the telescope % " asked Lucien. 



" The reason is, because an Indian always tries to conceal his 

 wishes and passions." 



" But why didn't you offer him the instrument directly 1 " 



" If I had shown too much eagerness, very probably he would 

 have refused to make an exchange, and an Indian seldom retracts 

 what he has once said." 



