376 THE ADVENTURES OF 



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visibly healing up, again took charge of the basket. I al- 

 lowed him to carry it, on the condition he should tell me as 

 soon as he felt tired. I went in front, leading Lucien by 

 the hand, and the rocky slope was descended without acci- 

 dent. The oaks were small and scattered, and left us an 

 easy passage over ground covered with dry leaves, which 

 rustled under our feet. 



" We might almost fancy we were in Europe," said Su- 

 michrast, suddenly halting. 



" Yes," I replied ; " it seems as if the yellow leaves had 

 already felt the autumnal winds." 



" There's a dead tree," said my friend ; " I feel sure, if 

 we examine its bark, we shall find some insects of our own 

 country." 



My friend's hopes were not realized, and the only result 

 of his search was to disturb the rest of two mice with slen- 

 der muzzles. One of them escaped, while the other tried 

 its best to protect a litter of five little ones, buried in some 

 fine vegetable debris. Lucien examined the young ones 

 with interest, and after replacing the bark, as far as possi- 

 ble, in its original position, rejoined us outside the wood. 

 A descent so rapid that we could scarcely keep our balance 

 brought us among a quantity of bushes covered with dou- 

 ble thorns, which Lucien very justly compared to bulls' 

 horns in miniature. At last the ground became more level, 

 and, directing our course to the right, we turned into a 

 plain, surrounded by woods. 



" Both trees and plants seem larger here than on the 

 mountains," said Lucien. 



" You are quite right," answered Sumichrast ; " the veg- 

 etation in the Terre-Chaude is more vigorous than that of 

 the Terr e- Temper ee. As you advance farther into it, you 

 will be able to judge." 



" Did you see that great insect that flew buzzing past us ?" 



