232 ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



did not trouble us mucli. My shoes and also Sumichrast's had 

 been strongly, if not elegantly, repaired, and were quite as good 

 as new ; Lucien, too, now possessed a pair of spare sandals. 



The inhabitants of the little colony ranged along our path, 

 and overwhelming us with good wishes, bid us another adieu. 

 I pressed all the hands that were held out to me, and then 

 guided by the band of children, who still surrounded the 

 young traveller, we commenced to ascend the path which had 

 led us down into this hospitable little oasis. When I reached 

 the summit of the hill, I waved my hat as a last salutation to 

 Coyotepec ; I'Encuerado fired off his gun as a farewell, and we 

 plunged into the labyrinth of cactuses, taking a straight course 

 towards the east. 



