MARTIN RATTLER. 237

he resolved thenceforth to rest on the Sabbath day ;
and he found much benefit, both to mind and body,
from this arrangement. During this particular Sab-
bath he rested beside the beaten track, and often did
he walk up and down it a short way, wondering
where it would lead him to; and several times he
prayed that he might be led by it to the habitations
of civilized men.

Next day, after breakfast, he prepared to set out;
but now he was much perplexed as to which way he
ought to go, for the track did not run in the direction
in which he had been travelling, but at right angles
to that way. While he still hesitated, the sound of
voices struck on his ear, and he almost fainted with
excitement; for besides the hope that he might now
meet with friends, there was also the fear that those
approaching might be enemies, and the sudden sound
of the human voice, which he had not heard for so
long, tended to create conflicting and almost over-
whelming feelings in his breast. Hiding quickly be-
hind a tree, he awaited the passing of the cavalcade ;
for the sounds of horses’ hoofs were now audible.

In a few minutes a string of laden mules approached,
and then six horsemen appeared, whose bronzed olive
complexions, straw-hats, and ponchos betokened them
Brazilians, As they passed, Martin hailed them in