2 44 



THE ADVENTURES OF 



our halt by filling our gourds and killing an armadillo, we hurried 

 to get away from a spot where the air seemed poisoned with pes- 

 tilential miasma. Having again ascended the slope, I advanced 

 through a grove of firs, encouraging my friend with the load, who 

 was archly challenged to a race by Lucien. 



" That 's not at all generous," said I to him ; " if Sumichrast 

 did not carry the basket sometimes, what would become of us ?" 



" I 'm only sorry that I am not strong enough to help you," 

 replied the boy. " I only tease M. Sumichrast because I know it 

 amuses him, and makes him forget his burden, when he walks 

 more easily." 



" You never were more correct i " responded my friend. " I 





certainly fancied you were indulging your own humour, without 

 thinking about me.'' 



A fresh ascent quite exhausted us, and Sumichrast vowed that 

 he must relinquish the basket until the next day. I then took 

 it ; but in a very little time, I was compelled to take the same 

 resolution as my friend, so we settled down to bivouac. 



"Whilst my companions were engaged in the cooking, I walked 



