which could be my friends. A herd of elk were
browsing in the far distance, and a number of mountain sheep were
scampering about on the side of the neighbouring height. My eyes were
attracted, however, by some wreaths of vapour far down the valley, in
the direction which it was probable Manley and the sergeant had taken.
The vapour might arise from a fire they had kindled; but when I looked
again, I saw not only one, but several wreaths, or rather jets, which
made me fear that my first conjecture was wrong. However, as these jets
appeared in the right direction, I determined to go towards them.

I descended from the height, and continued my course, feeling unusually
weak and weary, when, some way along the valley, I observed several
circular holes, full of mud of different colours bubbling up, while
vapour issued from various fissures in the sides of the hills, and a
sulphureous odour pervaded the air.

Becoming more and more fatigued, at last I threw myself on the ground,
and ate a few of the thistle roots which I had fortunately brought with
me. I remember noticing a large hole not far off, but it appeared to be
empty. I felt very drowsy, and dropped off to sleep before long, my head
resting on my knees; when suddenly I became conscious of a loud rumbling
sound, while the earth beneath me seemed to shake and upheave.

[Illustration: A DANGEROUS LOCALITY.]

Springing to my feet, what was my horror to see, close to me, a mass of
dark water and mud rising up in the shape of a column! Higher and higher
it rose, surrounded by volumes of vapour; while from its summit was
scattered far and wide thick lumps of mud. Becoming aware that I had
been sleeping close to an active mud geyser, I sprang away from the
dangerous neighbourhood, narrowly escaping being overwhelmed with the
hot and horrible mixture. The spout, or column, I should think, must
have risen to a height of nearly fifty feet; while every few seconds
loud reports were heard, and with each report a dense volume of steam
shot forth--the ground meanwhile shaking violently.

I stood watching it till, gradually decreasing, the centre part of the
column sank down into the orifice from which it had been expelled; and
within a short time all was again quiet. The mass of mud which covered
the ground, and coated even the boughs of the neighbouring trees, alone
showed the violent outbreak that had just taken place.

As I advanced the valley began to narrow. Miasmatic vap