MARTIN RATTLER. 211

ceased to revolve in his mind every imaginable and
unimaginable plan of escape, and to watch every
event or circumstance, no matter how trifling, that
seemed likely to aid him in his purpose.

Seeing that he was a very strong and active fellow,
and that he had become remarkably expert in the use
of the bow and the blow-pipe, the Indians now per-
mitted Martin to accompany them frequently on their
short hunting expeditions, so that he had many op-
portunities of seeing more of the wonderful animals
and plants of the Brazilian forests, in the studying
of which he experienced great delight. Moreover, in
the course of a few months he began to acquire a
smattering of the Indian language, and was not com-
pelled to live in constant silence, as had been the case
at first. But he carefully avoided the formation of
any friendships with the youths of the tribe, although
many of them seemed to desire it, considering that his
doing so might in some way or other interfere with
the execution of his great purpose. He was civil and
kind to them all, however, though reserved ; and, as
time wore away, he enjoyed much more liberty than
was the case at first. Still, however, he was watched
by the tall savage, who was a surly, silent fellow, and
would not be drawn into conversation. Indeed he

did not walk with Martin, but followed him wherever