364 THE AD VENTURES OF A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



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 

 PEncuerado's shout of "Hiou! hiou!" summoned us to 

 him. While I hurried Lucien along as fast as I could, I 

 heard some loud shouting, which almost smothered the fu- 

 rious barking of the dog, and then saw my friend Sumi- 

 chrast grasping the throat of an animal which Gringalet 

 was worrying. Alongside, PEncuerado 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 at- 

 tempted to catch hold of. 



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

 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, web- 

 bed 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 retir- 

 ing, 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. 



