270 MARTIN RATTLER.

Under one of these trees they reined up after a ride
of two hours, and picketing their horses, prepared
breakfast. It was soon despatched,and then remounting,
away they went once more over. the beautiful plains.

About mid-day, as they were hasting towards the
shelter of a grove which appeared opportunely on the
horizon, Barney said suddenly,—

“ Martin, lad, we’re lost! We're out of our course,
for sartin.”

“Tve been thinking that for some time, Barney,”
replied Martin; “but you have your compass, and we
can surely make the coast by dead reckoning—eh ?”

“True, lad, we can; but it’ll cost us a dale o° tackin’
to make up for leeway. Ah, good luck to ye! here’s
a friend ’ll help us.”

As he spoke a herd of wild cattle dashed out of the
grove and scampered over the plain, followed by a
herdsman on horseback. Seeing that he was in eager
pursuit of an animal which he wished to lasso, they
followed him quietly and watched his movements.
Whirling the noose round his head, he threw it
adroitly in such a manner that the bull put one of its
legs within the coil. Then he reined up suddenly,
and the animal was thrown on its back. At the same
moment the lasso broke, and the bull recovered its feet

and continued its wild flight.