n I heard a rumbling sound,
and directly afterwards two jets of water spouted from its midst--one of
them rising rapidly to the height of nearly a hundred feet, when,
spreading out, down it came, the scalding water falling in a dense
shower on every side, while wreaths of steam were ejected from the
various holes which had been within their influence, the which would
speedily have parboiled me, had I not at once run off to a safe
distance. I then turned back to look at the beautiful phenomenon.
Although the jet was not so lofty as many of the other geysers, its form
was not less beautiful, assuming, as it curled over, the appearance of a
gigantic ostrich feather.

I had received a lesson not to trust to appearances, and was now very
unwilling to take up my lodgings in any one of the curious grottoes
which lay scattered about in the valley. They might be perfectly quiet,
and afford me comfortable shelter; or, proving treacherous, a stream of
hot water might burst forth from some unperceived vent and blow me fifty
feet into the air, or scald me to death. I accordingly resolved to build
myself a bower in which, although it would not afford me so much shelter
as a cavern, I might pass the night in safety.

It was necessary, however, before the sun should disappear, to light my
fire; and having fixed upon a spot, I repaired to the woods nearest at
hand to collect the fuel. I had not gone far when I saw rising before me
a curious white mound, twenty-five or thirty feet in height, and about a
hundred at the base. From the summit rose a small puff of steam, like
that escaping from the lid of a kettle; but I saw, from the appearance
of the trees around it, that it could not for many years have sent forth
any dangerous stream of hot water. Not far off was a small basin with an
elegantly scalloped rim; it was full of hot water, which scarcely
bubbled over. "This will make me a capital fish-kettle," I said to
myself, "so I will build my hut near here. I do not think there can be
any risk."

[Illustration: THE TREACHEROUS GROTTO.]

Having selected a clear spot, I set to work and piled up the wood for my
fire. This was the first operation. I could build my hut in the dusk, or
even by the light of the fire, should it be necessary, after I had
caught my fish. Then taking a handful of moss into the open, with a few
dry sticks, I quickly lighted it with my burning-glass, and carrying it
back, soon had my fire in a blaze. I next made