148 MARTIN RATTLER.

which there were many in that place buried in the
sand-banks. On turning a point where the stream
was narrow and overhung with bushes and trees
they beheld a canoe tied to the stem of a tree, and a
hammock slung between two branches overhanging
the water. In this an old Indian lay extended, quite
naked and fast asleep! The old fellow had grown
weary with paddling his little canoe, and finding
the thicket along the river’s banks so impenetrable
that he could not land, he slung his hammock over
the water, and thus quietly took his siesta. A flock
of paroquets were screaming like little green demons
Just above him, and several alligators gave him a
passing glance as they floundered heavily in the
water below; but the red man cared not for such
trifles. Almost involuntarily Martin began to hum
the popular nursery rhyme,—

‘* Hushy ba, baby, on the tree top;
When the wind blows the cradle will rock.”

“ Arrah, if he was only two foot lower, its thirty
pair o’ long teeth would be stuck into his flank in
wan minute, or I’m no prophet,” said Barney, with a
broad grin.

“Suppose we give him a touch with the paddle in

ee ete oe
passing,” suggested Martin.