tated at first, but gradually growing bolder, allowed the
snake to wind round his arm. When close by the fire, he held it out to
l'Encuerado, who shrank back; for he fully believed all reptiles to be
venomous. Lucien in vain urged him to handle it.

"I shan't mind touching it," he said, "when you have told me the words
you say to make yourself invulnerable."

"I am no more invulnerable than you are," replied Lucien, smiling. "This
snake is quite harmless, and I should never touch one without taking
papa's advice, even if it exactly resembled this."

"And you didn't repeat any words?"

"No; papa had it in his hands, and it coiled round his arm."

"I understand, then," murmured the Indian; "it is the serpent that is
charmed."

Gringalet, quite as mistrustful as l'Encuerado, ran off directly 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 supplied 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 weight 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 prohibition, 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
pestilential miasma. Having again ascended the slope, I advanced 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 Sumichrast did not
carry the basket sometimes, what would become of us?"

"I'm only sorry that I am not strong enough to help you," replied the
boy. "I only tease M. Sumichrast because I know it amuses him, and