of reed for his mouth-piece, while
the other was filled with the rhubarb tobacco, which was then set on
fire. It was literally turning the earth into a tobacco-pipe!

This method of smoking is by no means uncommon among the half-civilised
inhabitants of India as well as Africa, and Ossaroo preferred a pipe of
this kind to any other.

Karl continued onward, pointing out to his companions several species of
edible roots, fruits, and vegetables which the valley contained. There
were wild leeks among the number. These would assist them in making
soup. There were fruits too,--several species of currants, and
cherries, and strawberries, and raspberries,--kinds that had long been
introduced to European gardens, and that to Karl and Caspar looked like
old acquaintances.

"And there!" continued Karl, "see the very water produces food for us.
Look at the lotus, (_Nelumbium speciosum_). Those large pink and white
flowers are the flowers of the famed lotus. Its stalks may be eaten,
or, if you will, their hollow tubes will serve us as cups to drink, out
of. There, too, is the horned water root (_Trapa bicornis_), also
excellent eating. Oh! we should be thankful. We are well provided with
food."

Yet the heart of Karl was sore while thus endeavouring to talk
cheerfully.

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

NEW SURVEY OF THE CLIFF.

Yes, the hearts of all three were far from being contented, though they
returned to the hut laden with fruits, and roots, and nuts, and
vegetables; out of which they intended to concoct a better dinner than
they had been lately accustomed to.

The rest of that day was spent about the hut, and a good deal of it was
given up to culinary operations. Not that any of the party cared so
much for a good dinner; but being thus engaged prevented them from
reflecting as much as they would otherwise have done upon their painful
situation. Besides, they had no other work to do. They had no longer a
motive for doing any thing. Up to that moment the preparing the ropes
and timbers of the bridge had kept them employed; and the very work
itself, combined with the hope which they then felt, enabled them to
pass the time pleasantly enough. Now that these hopes were no more,--
that their whole scheme had ended in failure, they felt restless,--and
could think of nothing upon which to employ themselves. Preparing their
dinner, therefore, out of the new and varied materials that had come
into their hands, was, a