MARTIN RATTLER, 118

saw one of the birds. It was pure white, about the
size of a thrush, and had a curious horn or fleshy
tubercle upon its head.

Having rested and refreshed themselves, they
resumed their journey a short time before the noisy
inhabitants of the woods recommenced their active
afternoon operations.

“Hallo! what’s that ?” cried Barney, starting back
and drawing his pistol, while Martin hastily fitted an
arrow to his bow. ;

Not ten paces in front of them a frightful monster
ran across their path, which seemed so hideous to
Martin that his mind instantly reverted to the fable
of St. George and the Dragon, and he almost expected
to see fire issuing from its mouth. Tt was a huge
lizard, with a body about three feet long, covered with
bright scales. It had a long, thick tail. Its head
was clumsy and misshapen, and altogether its aspect
was very horrible. Before either Martin or Barney
could fire, the hermit dropped his gun and spear,
sprang quickly forward, caught the animal by the
tail, and, putting forth his great strength to the ut-
most, swung it round his head and dashed its brains
out against a, tree, ‘

Barney and Martin could only stare with amaze-
ment.