108 MARTIN RATTLER.

this hospitable man a supply of powder and shot for
his large brass-mounted cavalry pistol. The hermit
also made him a present of a long hunting-knife ;
and he gave one of a smaller size to Martin. As
Martin had no weapon, the hermit manufactured for
him a stout bow and quiver full of arrows, with
which, after some practice, he became reasonably
expert.

Thus armed, they sallied forth, and following the
footpath that conducted from the door of the hut to
the brow of the hill opposite, they were soon buried
in the shades of the great forest. On this particular
morning, Barney observed that the hermit carried
with him a stout spear, which he was not usually in
the habit of doing. Being of an inquisitive disposi-
tion, he inquired the reason of his taking it.

“T expect to find a jaguar to-day,” answered the
hermit. “I saw him yesterday go down into the
small valley in which my cows grow. I will show
you my cows soon, Martin.”

The hermit stopped short suddenly as he spoke,
and pointed to a large bird, about fifty yards in ad-
vance of them. It seemed to bear a particular ill-will
to a round rough stone which it pecked most energeti-
cally. After a few minutes the bird ceased its attacks

and flew off; whereupon the rough stone opened itself