truck out into a
fleet gallop, and soon overtook the horses; and the whole cavalcade now
kept on, until they had placed several miles between themselves and the
javalies. Here they halted with the intention of pitching their camps,
as their animals were not only wearied, but Jeanette was hardly able to
travel at all. The process of "pitching camp" was now considerably
simplified, as they had lost not only their tent, but several of their
camp utensils.

What had induced the javalies to attack the mule? This was the subject
of conversation with our adventurers, as soon as they had fairly cooled
from their race. They knew that these creatures rarely make an assault
in such a manner without provocation. But it was likely Jeanette had
given them this. No doubt they had been wandering about in search of
food, and lighted upon the turkeys, that Lucien and Basil in their haste
had left lying upon the ground. The wild-hogs are not particular as to
their food. They will eat fish, flesh, or fowl, snakes, or vegetables;
and, finding the brace of birds, had commenced devouring them. In doing
so they had come within reach of Jeanette's heels; who, at that moment
not being in the best temper had no doubt let fly, and kicked one of
them over, and this of course had led to a general onslaught from the
whole herd.

It was well for Jeanette that her masters arrived when they did, else
her old ribs would soon have cracked under the sharp tusks of the
enraged animals.

The javalies, or _peccaries_--as they are more often termed by
naturalists--are in general of a harmless disposition; and, if not
interfered with, will rarely make an attack upon man. When provoked,
however--by one of their number being wounded, or even when their haunt
is invaded--they become both fierce and dangerous. Though small
creatures, they possess extreme courage; and their powerful jaws and
large tusks render them formidable assailants. Like all animals of the
hog species when enraged, they seem to be unconscious of danger; and a
herd of them will battle with an enemy until every one has fallen. Not
unfrequently the Mexican hunter is "treed" by javalies, and compelled to
remain on his perch for hours, and sometimes for days, before his
besiegers retire, and leave him to descend with safety.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

A CUNNING CAT AND A SLY OLD 'POSSUM.

The place where our adventurers now encamped was in a large grove of
white oaks and shell-bar