228 MARTIN RATTLER.

dare to rest until the rugged peaks of the mountain
range were between him and the savages; but when
he had left these far behind him, he halted about mid-
day to breakfast and repose by the margin of a de-
lightfully cool mountain stream.

“Tm gafe now!” said Martin aloud, as he threw
down his bundle beneath a spreading tree and com-
menced to prepare breakfast. “O my friend Barney,
I wish that you were here to keep me company!”
The solitary youth looked round as if he half expected
to see the rough visage and hear the gladsome voice
of his friend; but no voice replied to his, and the
only living creature he saw was a large monkey, which
peered inquisitively down at him from among the
branches of a neighbouring bush. This reminded him
that he had left his pet Marmoset in the Indian
village, and a feeling of deep self-reproach filled his
heart. In the haste and anxiety of his flight he had
totally forgotten his little friend. But regret was
now unavailing. Marmoset was lost to him for ever.

Having kindled a small fire, Martin kneaded a large
quantity of farina in the hollow of a smooth stone,
and baked a number of flat cakes, which were soon
fired and spread out upon the ground. While thus
engaged, a snake of about six feet long and as thick

as a mnan’s arm glided past him. Martin started con-