ing of a long journey. See, I have fetched your breakfast for
you. Instead of tumbling on the fire and putting it out, Maikar, I
think it would be wiser to see if there is a spark left and blow it into
a flame. Quick! I am hungry."

It need hardly be said that these orders were received with a laugh and
a prompt obedience on the part of the little man.

"Yes--there is fire," he said, blowing with tremendous energy until
flame was produced. "And, do you know, there is something within me
that has a loud voice, but only utters one word--`Food! food! food!'
There, now, you may get the birds ready, for the fire will be ready for
them in two winks."

There was no occasion, however, to give this advice to his friends, for
already the birds had been plucked, split open at the breast, laid flat,
and their interiors scraped out in a summary manner. The plucking was
not, indeed, all that could be wished, but what fingers failed to do a
singe in the flames accomplished to the perfect satisfaction of men who
were in no way particular. Sharp-pointed sticks were then thrust
through the expanded carcases, and they were stuck up in front of the
blaze to roast.

Underdone meat is an abomination to some, a luxury to others--reminding
one of that very ancient proverb, "Tastes differ." We cannot say
whether on this occasion the uniformity of action in our heroes was the
result of taste or haste, but certain it is that before the fowls were
only half-roasted on one side, they were turned over so as to let the
fire get at the other, and breakfast was begun while the meat was yet
frightfully underdone.

Thereafter the three men arose, like giants refreshed--if we may say so,
for Maikar was indeed mentally, though not physically, a giant--buckled
on their swords, slung bows and quivers on their backs, along with the
turkey remains, and took up shields and javelins. Having laid their
course by the stars the night before, they set out on their journey
through the unknown wilderness.

The part of the country through which they passed at the beginning of
the march was broken and diversified by hill and dale; in some places
clothed with forests, in others covered with grass, on which many wild
animals were seen browsing. These, however, were remarkably timid, and
fled at the first sign of the approaching travellers, so that it was
impossible to get within bow-shot of them.

"From this I judge that they are much hunted," said Bladu