emed a large tree
in England, and these branches were again subdivided into smaller stems
with a network of foliage, which rendered it quite possible for a man to
move about upon them with facility, and to find a convenient couch.
Here,--the fire at the foot of the tree having been replenished,--each
man sought and found repose.

It was observed that Larry O'Hale made a large soft couch below the tree
on the ground.

"You're not going to sleep there, Larry?" said Will Osten, on observing
what he was about. "Why, the tigers will be picking your bones before
morning if you do."

"Och! I'm not afraid of 'em," replied Larry; "howsever, I _do_ main to
slaip up the tree _if I can_."

That night, some time after all the party had been buried in profound
repose, they were awakened by a crash and a tremendous howl just below
them. Each started up, and, pushing aside the leaves, gazed anxiously
down. A dark object was seen moving below, and Bunco was just going to
point his gun at it, when a gruff voice was heard to say--

"Arrah! didn't I know it? It's famous I've bin, since I was a mere boy,
for rowlin' about in me slaip, an', sure, the branch of a tree is only
fit for a bird after all. But, good luck to yer wisdom an' foresight,
Larry O'Hale, for ye've come down soft, anyhow, an' if there's
anything'll cure ye o' this bad habit--slaipin' on trees'll do it in the
coorse o' time, I make no doubt wotiver!"

CHAPTER SEVEN.

WHEREIN ARE RECOUNTED DANGERS, DIFFICULTIES, AND PERPLEXITIES FACED AND
OVERCOME.

Next morning the travellers rose with the sun, and descended from the
tree in which they had spent the night--much refreshed and "ready for
anything."

It was well that they were thus prepared for whatever might befall them,
for there were several incidents in store for them that day which tried
them somewhat, and would have perplexed them sadly had they been without
a guide. Perhaps we are scarcely entitled to bestow that title on
Bunco, for he was as thoroughly lost in the forest as were any of his
companions, in the sense, at least, of being ignorant as to where he
was, or how far from the nearest human habitation: but he was acquainted
with forest-life, knew the signs and symptoms of the wilderness, and
could track his way through pathless wastes in a manner that was utterly
incomprehensible to his companions, and could not be explained by
himself. Moreover, he was a shrewd fellow, as well as bold, and