478 



THE ADVENTUMES OF 



that the savannah should not be set on fire. The meal dis- 

 patched, and the fire extinguished, we squatted down under 

 the shadow of the grass, and resigned ourselves to sleep. 



I woke about midday, nearly roasted by the sun, which 

 had now replaced the shade. Calling my companions, so 

 that they might change their position, a new arrangement 

 of our covering gave us more shelter, and soon once more 

 all were asleep ; but in the short intervening time Lucien 

 began to repeat to the parrots the names of Hortense and 

 Emile. 



At midnight, l'Encuerado shouldered his load and took 

 the lead. The second night passed like the first, and we 

 travelled at least eight leagues. 



Our third night was interrupted by five or six halts, but 

 we plodded on till dawn. At the first gleam of light, I ex- 

 amined the horizon; there was nothing but bluish-looking 

 mountains to the right, and in every other direction only 

 the gloomy and deserted plain. On this day we had to be 

 satisfied with maize-cakes ; but the hope of at length reach- 

 ing the woods cheered every one. 



" One night more," said l'Encuerado and Sumichrast, 

 " and then we shall have rest and abundance." 



The fourth day's march was much more wearisome, es- 

 pecially to poor Lucien, who, still uncomplaining, yet com- 

 menced to limp dreadfully. 



The day broke, and I again examined the horizon, but 

 could see nothing except the sky and grass. 



" I am afraid we are not going the right way," I said to 

 l'Encuerado. " God grant we have not been walking at 

 random for these three days." 



The Indian stood up on his basket, and carefully exam- 

 ined the outline of the mountains. 



" We are in the right path," said he, positively ; " the 

 savannah is very wide, that is all." 



