.4 YOUNG NATURALIST. 239 



the masses of leaves those fantastic shapes which make one dream 

 of a supernatural world. As the moon advanced higher, it dif- 

 fused more and more light over the scenery, and few spectacles 

 could be more splendid than such a tropical night as this. 



The report of a gun suddenly cut short my reverie, and I'En- 

 cuerado's shout of " Hiou ! hiou ! " summoned us to him. Whilst I 

 hurried Lucien along as fast as I could, I heard some loud shout- 

 ing which almost smothered the furious barking of the dog, and 

 then saw my friend Sumichrast grasping the throat of an animal 

 which Gringalet was worrying. Alongside L'Encuerado was 

 lying on the ground, pressing his right arm and uttering cries of 

 pain. He had been bitten by the wounded otter which he had 

 attempted to catch hold of. 



This was not the time to blame him, so I led I'Encuerado to 

 the bivouac, where I was reassured by an examination of the bite, 

 which I had at first feared was serious. After dressing the 

 injured part, the Indian seemed much relieved. 



My friend — after Lucien had examined its broad muzzle and 

 wide nostrils, its smooth, black coat, and its feet, webbed like 

 ducks — skinned the game, and put it at once upon the spit. 

 When the meat was cooked to a nicety, I covered it over to 

 protect it from insects, and then proposed retiring, for I foresaw 

 that the Indian would be unable to carry his load the next day, 

 and that either Sumichrast's patience or mine would be taxed 

 in taking his place ; for we did not intend to prolong our stay 

 by the stream. Sleep surprised us ere this weighty question was 

 solved. 



