A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



159 



We descended the slope by a giant staircase, each step of 

 which must have been at least seven or eight feet in height. 

 More than once the lasso was called into use; but all ob- 

 stacles were at last safely overcome. I can not describe the 

 joy I felt upon once more seeing pine-trees. We sought in 

 vain for any traces of the hurricane ; this side of the mount- 

 ain had evidently not been visited by it. 



The slope was now more gradual ; our pace became fast- 

 er, and a few oaks were in sight. A rumbling noise made 

 us stop and listen attentively, but PEncuerado, who was 

 more expert than we were in making out distant sounds, 

 told us that it was a torrent. Squirrels gambolled on the 

 branches as we passed by, and toucans seemed to tempt us 

 to stop ; but we were all anxious to reach the waterfall. 

 Ere long, oaks and birches, and afterwards guava-trees, sur- 

 rounded us on every side. The ground was now level, and in 

 less than half an hour PEncuerado conducted us to the edge 

 of an immense ravine, at the bottom of which there was a 

 roaring torrent. 



It was not long before the steep bank became less abrupt, 

 and we established our bivouac. While we were cutting 

 down some branches, Sumichrast put his finger to his lips 

 and seized his gun. A slight noise was heard in the thick- 

 ets, and our companion disappeared. We were listening, 

 holding our breath, when we heard the screech as of an owl ; 

 we knew it was a call, so PEncuerado also glided away 

 through the bushes. 



" Why did M. Sumichrast call PEncuerado ?" asked Lu- 

 cien, in a low voice. 



" Probably because he has discovered the trail of some 

 animal." 



I had scarcely finished speaking, when a movement in the 

 leaves attracted my attention. A fine fox, with an eager 

 look, and its tail lowered, rushed past me. I fired, but 



