MARTIN RATTLER. 271

“ Good-day, friend,” said Barney, galloping towards
the disappointed herdsman and addressing him in Por-
tuguese, “could you show us the road to Rio? We've
lost it entirely.”

The man pointed sulkily in the direction in which
they were going, and, having mended his lasso, he
wheeled about and galloped after the herd of cattle.

“Bad luck to yer manners!” said Barney, as he
gazed after him. “But what can ye expect from the
poor cratur? He niver larned better. Come along,
Martin ; we'll rest here a while.”

They were soon under the shelter of the trees, and
having fastened their horses to one of them, they pro-
ceeded to search for water. While thus employed,
Barney shouted to his companion, “Come here, lad ;
look here.”

There was something in the tone of the Irishman’s
voice that startled Martin, and he sprang hastily
towards him. Barney was standing with his arms
crossed upon his chest and his head bowed forward, as
he gazed with a solemn expression on the figure of a
man at his feet.

“Tg he ill?” inquired Martin, stooping and lifting
his hand. Starting back as he dropped it, he ex-
claimed, “ Dead !”

“ Ay, boy, he has gone to his last account. Look