A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



337 



" Here is the telescope," I said. 



His features remained perfectly motionless, but his eyes 

 sparkled and his hand trembled slightly as he seized the 

 object of his longing. I showed him how to use and clean 

 the instrument ; then, loaded with the boxes, which were so 

 precious to me, and followed by my companions, I returned 

 to Coyotepec's dwelling. 



" Why didn't Torribio say at once that he' was willing to 

 exchange his powder for the telescope ?" asked Lucien. 



" The reason is, because an Indian always tries to conceal 

 his wishes and passions." 



" But why didn't you offer him the instrument directly ?" 



" If I had shown too much eagerness, very probably he 

 would have refused to make an exchange, and the Indian 

 seldom retracts what he has once said." 



Of course, PEncuerado, always the most extravagant in 

 its use, was perfectly delighted to see our stock of ammu- 

 nition trebled. 



We had scarcely finished our dinner, when we heard the 

 sound of a guitar : the Mistec, after having preached, had 

 succeeded in convincing his congregation that a dance was 

 the proper method of winding up the day. The space in 

 front of the patriarch's dwelling having been swept, and 

 two crackling fires lighted, ere long the women made their 

 appearance, in what they considered full dress, and their 

 hair loaded with flowers. The national air of the Jbrabe 

 was played, and the dancers trod the measure with energy. 

 Lucien, who had joined the crowd, wanted to teach the pol- 

 ka and waltz to the Indian children. Sumichrast stood by, 

 laughing most heartily; but his merriment increased on 

 seeing PEncuerado's gambols, for never before had such 

 wonderful capers been cut. He sang, strummed on his 

 guitar, and danced— often doing all three at the same time. 

 About ten o'clock, Lucien retired to rest. The fatigues of 



15 



