s; from amid which,
every now and then, alligators popped out their heads to look at us.
Other birds, among them the great sand-hill crane, stalked about, until,
uttering loud whoops, they took to flight, frightened by our shouts.

When we came to spots where the forest was too thick to see far ahead,
we sent out scouts; but I observed that few of the men were willing to
get out of hearing of the main body. At last we found ourselves in
another hummock: a dense jungle of tall cabbage-palms, oaks, hickory and
cotton-trees, with an undergrowth of shrubs such as are to be found only
in carefully-cultivated gardens in England--hydrangeas, azaleas,
lobelias, and shrubs and creepers of varied colours and gorgeous hues;
while overhead the green leaves of the wild-vine and other climbers
formed a delicious roof to shelter us from the sun's rays. Out of the
wood burst forth a concert of song-birds, amid which the notes of the
sweet-toned mocking-bird could be especially distinguished. To Carlos
it was no novelty, nor was it to most of our companions; but Lejoillie
and I were delighted.

We had as yet discovered no trace of our friend. The few woodmen we met
had seen nothing of him. We had passed the spot where Lejoillie and he
had separated; and we felt convinced that unless we took a much wider
range, we should have little chance of finding him.

Several of the party now called out that they were getting hungry; and
as we had reached a shady spot, we agreed to halt and dine.

"Before we do so, gentlemen, we must ascertain that no enemies are
lurking in the neighbourhood," said Lejoillie.

Accordingly, he directed three of the men, who had proved to be the best
scouts, to push forward and examine the ground around us. Many of the
party had unstrapped their wallets; some had thrown themselves on the
ground; and others had gone to a green and unattractive pool to obtain
water.

Two of the scouts had come in, and assured us that they could discover
no trace of the red men. "We may then venture to recruit our strength,
my friends," said Lejoillie.

Carlos and I seated ourselves before a fire kindled by Tim, at which he
was cooking some slices of bacon. Our motley party lay about in all
directions: some had thrown aside their coats, as well as their shoes
and hats; and others had even taken off their shirts, that they might
the more completely enjoy the cool air. We had begun our meal, and
Lejoillie was offering Ca