MARTIN RATTLER. 117

they came to a spur of the sierra, or mountain range,
that cuts through that part of the country. Here
the ground became more rugged, but still densely
covered with wood, and rocks lay piled about in
many places, forming several dark and gloomy caverns,
The hermit now unslung his gun and advanced to the
foot of a cliff, near the farther end of which there
were several caves, the mouths of which were partially
closed with long ferns and masses of luxuriant vege-
tation.

“Now we must be prepared,” said the hermit, feel-
ing the point of his spear. “I think there is a jaguar
here. I saw him yesterday, and I am quite sure he
will not go away till he tries to do some mischief. He
little knows that there is nothing here to hurt but me.”

The hermit chuckled as he said this, and resting
his gun against the cliff near the entrance to the first
cave, which was a small one, he passed on to the next,
Holding the spear in his left hand, he threw a stone
violently into the cavern, Barney and Martin listened
and gazed in silent expectation ; but they only heard
the hollow sound of the falling stone as it dashed
against the sides of the cave, then all was still.

“Och, then, he’s off” eried Barney.

“Hush,” said Martin; “don’t speak till he has
tried the other cave.”