A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



141 



lence succeeded to the uproar of the storm, when the leaves 

 were motionless ; then we might have fancied the tempest 

 was over. But suddenly the frightful roar again com- 

 menced, and the gale covered the ground with fresh frag- 

 ments. 



We were beginning to take courage a little, when a formi- 

 dable crash resounded above us ; an enormous pine, growing 

 on the mountain a hundred feet over our heads, tottered 

 and then fell, tumbling down the slope with a horrible up- 

 roar. Quick as lightning, PEncuerado seized Lucien, and 

 lay down with him along the foot of the rock; I and my 

 friend immediately followed his example. The fallen giant 

 came crashing down in rapid bounds, smashing every thing 

 in its path, and accompanied in its descent by masses of 

 broken rock. It struck against the block that sheltered 

 us, which gave forth a dull sound, but fortunately resisted 

 the shock ; and then the tree, clearing the obstacle with a 

 prodigious bound, continued its impetuous course down to 

 the foot of the mountain. We were nearly crushed by a 

 perfect avalanche of stones which followed in its wake. 



I raised myself, not without emotion. The danger had 

 been serious ; indeed, the enormous rock to which we owed 

 our safety had slightly swerved. If this accident had occur- 

 red in the middle of the night, the fright would have driven 

 us out of our place of shelter, and we should certainly have 

 been destroyed. I first returned thanks to God, and then to 

 PEncuerado, who, being close to Lucien, had shielded the 

 boy with his own body. The child, who fully comprehend- 

 ed the danger, hung round the Indian's neck. 



" I shall tell mamma that you saved my life !" cried he, 

 kissing PEncuerado. 



The latter would have replied, but, affected by the ca- 

 resses of his young favorite, he could only press him in his 

 arms, while two tears trickled down his dark cheeks. 



