A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



371 



Gringalet, quite as mistrustful as l'Encuerado, ran off di- 

 rectly he saw the reptile move. I told Lucien to let the 

 snake go, and the Indian unsheathed his cutlass; but I 

 would not allow him to injure the poor creature. 



Our new cook was perfect master of his art. He sup- 

 plied us with some excellent maize broth, roasted pigeons, 

 and then a rice-cake — certainly rather shapeless, but of a 

 delicious flavor. The cherries completed this regal bill of 

 fare, and the "calumet of peace" was associated with a 

 cup of coffee. At nightfall, Sumichrast, avoiding Lucien's 

 questions, went slyly to rest, an example I was not slow in 

 following — the w T eight of the basket having fatigued me 

 more than my pride allowed me to confess. 



The next day the rising sun found us already on the road. 

 L'Encuerado's wound was less painful, and did not prevent 

 his using his gun. Had it not been for my express pro- 

 hibition, he would have resumed his burden. When we 

 reached the summit of the hill, he led us among the trees, 

 and, commencing a descent, our little party did not stop 

 till we had reached the bottom of a dark and damp glen, 

 close to a greenish pool. After utilizing 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 ad- 

 vanced 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 Sumi- 

 chrast did not carry the basket sometimes, what would be- 

 come of us ?" 



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

 you," replied the boy. "I only tease M. Sumichrast be- 

 cause I know it amuses him, and makes him forget his 

 burden, when he walks more easily." 



"You never were more correct!" responded my friend. 



