MARTIN RATTLER. 199

might be seen trees and bushes mingled with jagged
rocks and dark caverns, with a lofty sierra or moun-
tain range in the background. In front was the
beautiful valley which they had just crossed. Ona
huge rock there grew a tree of considerable size, the
roots of which projected beyond the rock several
yards, and then, bending downwards, struck into the
ground. Creeping-plants had twined thickly among
the roots, and thus formed a sort of lattice-work which
enclosed a large space of ground. In this natural
arbour the chiefs of the Indians took up their
quarters and kindled their fire in the centre of it,
while the main body of the party pitched their camp
outside. The three prisoners were allotted a corner in
the arbour; and, after having supped, they spread
their ponchos on a pile of ferns, and found themselves
very snug indeed.

“Martin,” said Barney gravely, as he smoked his
pipe and patted the head of his dog, “dye know I’m
beginning to feel tired o’ the company o’ thim naked
rascals, and I’ve been revolvin’ in my mind what we
should do to escape. Moreover, I’ve comed to a con-
clusion.”

“ And what’s that?” inquired Martin.

“That it’s unposs’ble to escape at all, and I dont

know what to do.”