128 MARTIN RATTLER.

view of it. Each view is good, but both views are
better; and I can’t help wishing that I were more of
a philosopher than I am, especially in reference to
botany.”

“Humph!” ejaculated Barney, who seemed not
quite to understand his young friend, “yer observa-
tions are remarkably thrue, and do ye great credit,
for yer years—Ah! Mr. Hermit, good luck to ye!
I'm glad to see that ye’ve got some consideration for
man and baste. I’m quite ready for my victuals,
and so’s my mule ;—aren’t you, avic?”

Barney’s latter remark was addressed to hig patient
charger, from whose back he sprang as he spoke, and
slackened its girths.

Tt was now approaching mid-day, and the hermit
had pitched upon a large tree as a fitting spot for
rest and refreshment. Water had been brought up
the mountain in a huge calabash; but they did not
require to use it, as they found a quantity in the
hollow stump of a tree. There were several frogs
swimming about in this miniature lake; but it
was found to be fresh and clear and good notwith-
standing.

Towards evening they passed a string of mules
going towards the town which they had just left.

They were driven by Negroes, most of whom were