I projected then two excursions, the first to make a thorough examination of the thicket2 and morass3; the next right away to the Gap, through which alone the archenemy could have entered our territory.
On summoning my sons to accompany me to the marsh4, I found neither Ernest nor Jack5 very eager to do so, the latter vowing6 he had the cold shivers each time he thought how his ribs7 might have been smashed by the last flap of the snake's tail; but I did not yield to their reluctance8, and we finally set about crossing the marsh by placing planks9 and wicker hurdles10 on the ground, and changing their places as we advanced.
Nothing was discovered beyond tracks in the reeds and the creature's lair11; where the rushes, grass, and bog-plants were beaten down.
Emerging beyond the thicket we found ourselves on firm ground, near the precipitous wall of rock, and perceived a clear sparkling brook12 flowing from an opening, which proved to be a cave or grotto13 of considerable size.
The vaulted14 roof was covered with stalactites, while many formed stately pillars, which seemed as though supporting the roof. The floor was strewn with fine snow-white earth, with a smooth soapy feeling, which I felt convinced was fuller's earth.
`Well, this is a pleasant discovery!' said I. `This is as good as soap for washing, and will save me the trouble of turning soap-boiler.'
Perceiving that the streamlet flowed from an opening of some width in the inner rock, Fritz passed through, in order to trace it to its source, presently shouting to me that the opening widened very much, and begging me to follow him.
I did so, leaving the other boys in the outer cave, and fired a pistol-shot—the reverberating17 echoes of which testified to the great extent of the place; and lighting18 the bit of candle I always carried with me, we advanced, the light burning clear and steadily19, though shedding a very feeble light in so vast a space.
Suddenly Fritz exclaimed: `I verily believe this is a second cave of salt! See how the walls glance! And how the light is reflected from the roof!'
`These cannot be salt crystals,' said I, `the water which flows over them leaves no track, and tastes quite sweet. I am rather inclined to believe that we have penetrated20 into a cave of rock crystal!'
`Oh, how splendid! Then we have discovered a great treasure!'
`Certainly if we could make any use of it; otherwise, in our situation, it is about as valuable as the lump of gold found by good old Robinson Crusoe.'
`Anyhow, I will break off a piece for a specimen22. See, here is a fine bit, only rather dull, and not transparent23: what a pity! I must knock off another.'
`You must go more carefully to work, or it will look as dull as the first. You destroyed its true form, which is that of a pyramid, with six sides or facets25.'
We remained some time in this interesting grotto, but our light burnt low after we had examined it in different directions; and Fritz having secured a large lump, which exhibited several crystals in perfection, we quitted the place, Fritz discharging a farewell shot for the sake of hearing the grand echoes.
On reaching the open air we saw poor Jack sobbing26 bitterly, but as soon as we appeared he ran joyfully27 towards us, and threw himself into my arms.
`My child, what is the matter?' I cried anxiously.
`Oh, I thought you were lost! I heard a noise twice, as if the rocks had shattered down; and I thought you and Fritz were crushed in the ruins! It was horrible! How glad I am to see you!'
I comforted the child, and explained the noises he had heard, inquiring why he was alone.
`Ernest is over there among the reeds: I daresay he did not hear the shots.'
I found Ernest busily engaged in weaving a basket in which to catch fish: he had devised it ingeniously, with a funnel-shaped entrance; through which the fish passing would not easily find their way out, but would remain swimming about in the wide part of the apparatus28.
`I shot a young serpent while you were away, father,' said he. `It lies there covered with rushes; it is nearly four feet long, and as thick as my arm.'
`A serpent!' cried I, hurrying towards it in alarm, and fearing there must be a brood of them in the swamp after all. `A fine large eel15 you mean, my boy. This will provide an excellent supper for us tonight. I am glad you had the courage to kill it, instead of taking to your heels and fleeing from the supposed serpent.'
`Well, I thought it would be so horrid31 to be pursued and caught that I preferred facing it; my shot took effect, but it was very difficult to kill the creature outright32, it moved about although its head was smashed.'
`The tenacity33 of life possessed34 by eels30 is very remarkable,' I said. `I have heard that the best mode of killing35 them is to grasp them by the neck and slap their tails smartly against a stone or post.'
We made our way back more easily by keeping close to the cliffs, where the ground was firmer, and found my wife washing clothes at the fountain. She rejoiced greatly at our safe return, and was much pleased with the supply of fuller's earth, as she said there was now very little soap left. The eel was cooked for supper, and during the evening a full account was given of our passage through the swamp, and discovery of the rock-crystal cavern36.
It was most important to ascertain37 whether any serpent lurked38 among the woods of our little territory between the cliffs and the sea. Preparations were set on foot for the second and greater undertaking39 of a search throughout the country beyond the river, as far as the Gap. I wished all the family to go on the expedition, a decision which gave universal satisfaction.
Intending to be engaged in this search for several weeks, we took the small tent and a store of all sorts of necessary provisions, as well as firearms, tools, cooking utensils40 and torches.
All these things were packed on the cart, which was drawn41 by Storm and Grumble42. Jack and Franz mounted them, and acted at once the part of riders and drivers. My wife sat comfortably in the cart, Fritz rode in advance, while Ernest and I walked; we were protected in flank by the dogs and Fangs43, the tame jackal.
Directing our course towards Woodlands, we saw many traces of the serpent's approach to Rockburg. In some places, where the soil was loose, the trail, like a broad furrow44, was very evident indeed.
At Falconhurst we made a halt and were, as usual, welcomed by the poultry45, as well as by the sheep and goats.
We then passed on to Woodlands, where we arrived at nightfall. All was peaceful and in good order; no track of the boa in that direction; no signs of visits from mischievous46 apes; the little farm and its inhabitants looked most flourishing.
Next day was passed in making a survey of the immediate47 neighbourhood, at the same time collecting a quantity of cotton, which was wanted for new pillows and cushions. In the afternoon Franz was my companion, carrying a small gun, entrusted48 to him for the first time.
We took Fangs and Bruno with us, and went slowly along the left bank of the lake, winding49 our way among reedy thickets50, which frequently turned us aside a considerable distance from the water. The dogs hunted about in all directions, and raised duck, snipe and heron. These usually flew directly across the lake, so that Franz got no chance of a shot. He began to get rather impatient, and proposed firing at the black swans we saw sailing gracefully52 on the glassy surface of the lake.
Just then a harsh booming sound struck our ears. I paused in wonder as to whence the noise proceeded, while Franz exclaimed,
`Oh, father! Can that be Swift, our young onager?'
`It cannot possibly be Swift,' said I; adding, after listening attentively53 a minute or two, `I am inclined to think it must be the cry of a bittern, a fine handsome bird of the nature of a heron.'
`Oh! may I shoot it, father? But I wonder how a bird can make that roaring noise! One would think it was an ox, it is more like lowing than braying54.'
`The noise creatures make depends more on the construction of the windpipe, its relation to the lungs and the strength of the muscles which force out the breath, than on their size. As for example, how loud is the song of the nightingale and the little canary bird. Some people say that the bittern booms with his long bill partly thrust into the boggy55 ground, which increases the hollow muffled56 sound of its very peculiar57 cry.'
Franz was very anxious that the first trophy58 of his gun should be so rare a bird as the bittern; the dogs were sent into the wood, and we waited some distance apart, in readiness to fire.
I heard his happy voice calling out: `I've hit him! I've hit him!'
`What have you hit?' shouted I in return.
`A wild pig,' said he, `but bigger than Fritz's.'
`Aha! I see you remember the agouti! Perhaps it is not a hog60 at all, but one of our little pigs from the farm. What will the old sow say to you, Franz?'
I soon joined my boy, and found him in transports of joy over an animal certainly very much like a pig, although its snout was broad and blunt. It was covered with bristles61, had no tail, and in colour was a yellowish grey.
Examining it carefully and noticing its webbed feet, and its curious teeth, I decided62 that it must be a capybara, a water-loving animal of South America, and Franz was overjoyed to find that he had shot 'a new creature', as he said.
It was difficult to carry it home, but he very sensibly proposed that we should open and clean the carcase, which would make it lighter63. Then, putting it in a game-bag, he carried it till quite tired out; he asked if I thought Bruno would let him strap64 it on his back. We found the dog willing to bear the burden, and reached Woodlands soon afterwards.
There we were surprised to see Ernest surrounded by a number of large rats which lay dead on the ground.
`Where can all these have come from?' exclaimed I. `Have you and your mother been rat-hunting instead of gathering65 rice as you intended?'
`We came upon these creatures quite unexpectedly,' he replied. `While in the rice swamp, Knips, who was with us, sprang away to a kind of long-shaped mound66 among the reeds, and pounced67 upon something, which tried to escape into a hole.
`He chattered68 and gnashed his teeth, and the creature hissed69 and squeaked70, and running up, I found he had got a big rat by the tail; he would not let go, and the rat could not turn in the narrow entrance to bite him, but I soon pulled it out and killed it with my stick.
`The mound was a curious-looking erection, so I broke it open with some difficulty, and in doing this dislodged quite a dozen of the creatures. Some I killed, but many plunged71 into the water and escaped.
`On examining their dwelling72 I found it a vaulted tunnel made of clay and mud, and thickly lined with sedges, rushes, and water-lily leaves.
`There were other mounds73 or lodges74 close by, and seeking an entrance to one I stretched my game-bag across it, and then hammered on the roof till a whole lot of rats sprang out, several right into the bag. I hit away right and left, but began to repent75 of my audacity76 when I found the whole community swarming77 about in the wildest excitement, some escaping, but many stopping in bewilderment, while others actually attacked me.
`It was anything but pleasant, I assure you, and I began to think of Bishop78 Hatto in the Mouse Tower on the Rhine. Knips liked it as little as I did, and skipped about desperately79 to get out of their way, though he now and then seized a rat by the neck in his teeth.
`Just as I began to shout for help, Juno came dashing through the reeds and water, and made quick work with the enemy, all flying from her attack.
`My mother had great difficulty in forcing her way through the marsh to the scene of action, but reached me at last; and we collected all the slain80 to show you, and for the sake of their skins.'
This account excited my curiosity, and I went to examine the place Ernest described: where I found, to my surprise, an arrangement much like a beaver81 dam, though on a small scale, and less complete.
`You have discovered a colony of beaver rats,' said I to Ernest, `so called from their resemblance in skill and manner of life to that wonderful creature.
`Muskrat83, musquash, and ondatra are other names given to them. They have, you see, webbed feet and flattened84 tails, and we shall find that they carry two small glands85 containing the scented88 substance called musk82. The sooner we strip off the skins the better; they will be useful for making caps.'
We went back to the house, and met Fritz and Jack just returned from their excursion, reporting that no trace of serpents, great or small, had been met with.
Jack carried in his hat about a dozen eggs; and Fritz had shot a couple of heath fowls89, a cock and hen.
We sat down to supper, Franz eager to partake of his capybara. Even he himself made a face at the peculiar flavour of the meat.
`It is the musk which you taste,' said I; and I described to them the various animals in which this strange liquid is found; the musk deer, musk ox, crocodile, muskrat of India (also called soudeli, which taints90 a corked91 bottle of wine, if it only runs across it) concluding with an account of the civet, also called civet-cat.
`The civet,' said I, `is a handsome black and white animal, and the perfume obtained from it was formerly92 considered a valuable medicine; in the present day it is used chiefly as a scent87. This odoriferous substance is secreted93, i.e., formed, in a double glandular94 pouch95 near the tail, and the Dutch keep the creature in captivity96, so that it shall afford them a continual supply.
`The method of removing the civet perfume is ingenious. The animal is very quick and elastic97 in its movements, and having sharp teeth it is not pleasant to handle. So it is put into a long, narrow cage in which it cannot turn around, a horn spoon is then introduced, and the perfume, a thick, oily stuff something like butter, is coolly scraped from the pouch, the plundered98 civet being then released from strait durance, until the supply is re-formed.'
Presently Jack ran for his game-bag, producing some fruit which he had forgotten. Several pale green apples, quite new to us, excited general attention.
`Why, what are those? Are they good?' I asked.
`I hope so,' said Jack, `but Fritz and I were afraid of eating some awful poison or other, like the manchineel, so we brought them for the inspection99 of the learned Master Knips.'
I took one and cut it in two, remarking that it contained a circle of seeds or pips, instead of the stone of the manchineel.
At that moment Knips slyly came behind me, and snatching up one half, began to munch100 it with the liveliest satisfaction, an example which the boys were so eager to follow that a general scramble101 ensued, and I had some trouble in securing a couple of the apples for myself and their mother.
I imagined this to be the cinnamon apple of the Antilles.
Everyone seeming wearied by the fatigues102 of the day, our mattresses103 and pillows were arranged, and the inmates104 of Woodlands betook themselves to repose105.
With early light we commenced the next day's journey, directing our course to a point between the sugar-brake and the Gap, where we had once made a sort of arbour of the branches of trees; as this remained in pretty good condition, we spread a sailcloth over the top of it, instead of pitching the tent, and made it very comfortable quarters for the short time I proposed to stay there.
Our object being to search the neighbourhood for traces of the boa constrictor, or any of his kindred, Fritz, Jack, and Franz went with me to the sugar-cane106 brake, and we satisfied ourselves that our enemy had not been there. It was long since we had enjoyed the fresh juice of these canes107, and we were refreshing108 ourselves therewith, when a loud barking of dogs and loud rustling and rattling109 through the thicket of canes disturbed our pleasant occupation, and, as we could see nothing a yard off where we stood, I hurried to the open ground, and with guns in readiness we awaited what was coming.
In a few minutes a herd110 of creatures like little pigs issued from the thicket, and made off in single file at a brisk trot111; they were of a uniform grey colour, and showed short sharp tusks112.
My trusty double-barrel speedily laid low two of the fugitives113 which I felt certain to be peccaries; the others continued to follow the leader in line, scarcely turning aside to pass the dead bodies of their comrades, and maintaining the same steady pace, although Fritz and Jack also fired and killed several.
I felt certain that these were peccaries, and recollected114 that an odoriferous gland86 in the back must be removed immediately, otherwise the meat will become tainted115, and quite unfit to eat.
This operation, with the help of my boys, I accordingly performed at once.
Presently, hearing shots in the direction of the hut where we had left Ernest and his mother, I sent Jack to their assistance, desiring him to fetch the cart, that the booty might be conveyed to our encampment, employing the time of his absence in opening and cleaning the animals, thus reducing their weight.
Ernest came back with Jack and the cart, and told us that the procession of peccaries had passed near the hut, and that he, with Juno's help, had secured three of them.
I was glad to hear this, as I had determined116 to cure a good supply of hams, and we made haste to load the cart; the boys adorned117 it with flowers and green boughs118, and with songs of triumph which made the woods ring they conveyed the valuable supply of game to the hut, where their mother anxiously waited for us.
After dinner we set to work upon our pigs, singeing119 and scalding off the bristles; I cut out the hams, divided the flitches, bestowed120 considerable portions of the carcase on the dogs, and diligently121 cleansed122 and salted the meat, while the boys prepared a shed, where it was to be hung to be cured in the smoke of fires of green wood.
This unexpected business of course detained us in the place for some time. On the second day, when the smoking-shed was ready, the boys were anxious to cook the smallest porker in the Otaheitean fashion. For this purpose they dug a hole, in which they burnt a quantity of dry grass, sticks and weeds, heating stones, which were placed round the sides of the pit.
While the younger boys made ready the oven, Fritz singed123 and washed his peccary, stuffing it with potatoes, onions and herbs, and a good sprinkling of salt and pepper.
He then sewed up the opening, and enveloped124 the pig in large leaves to guard it from the ashes and dust of its cooking-place.
The fire no longer blazed, but the embers and stones were glowing hot; the pig was carefully placed in the hole, covered over with hot ashes, and the whole with earth, so that it looked like a big mole125 heap.
Dinner was looked forward to with curiosity, as well as appetite; my wife, as usual, distrusting our experiments, was not sanguine126 of success, and made ready some plain food as a pis aller*.
* Last resort, backup, poor substitute.
She was well pleased with the curing-hut, which was roomy enough to hang all our hams and bacon. On a wide hearth127 in the middle we kindled128 a large fire, which was kept constantly smouldering by heaping it with damp grass and green wood. The hut being closed in above, the smoke filled it, and penetrated the meat thoroughly129: this process it had to undergo for several days.
In a few hours Fritz gave notice that he was going to open his oven. Great excitement prevailed as he removed the earth, turf, and stones, and a delicious appetizing odour arose from the opening. It was the smell of roast pork, certainly, but with a flavor of spices which surprised me, until I thought of the leaves in which the food had been wrapped up.
The peccary was carefully raised, and when a few cinders130 were picked off, it looked a remarkably131 well-cooked dish. Fritz was highly complimented on his success, even by his mother.
The scented leaves were, I thought, those of a tree which I knew to be found in Madagascar, called by the natives ravensara, or 'good leaf.' It is said to combine the scent of the nutmeg, clove132, and cinnamon. The fruit is a species of nut, possessing the scent of the leaves in a more delicate degree, and from it an oil or essence is distilled133, which is highly valued in native cookery.
During the process of curing our large supply of hams and bacon, which occupied several days, we roamed about the neighbourhood in all directions, finding no trace of the serpent, but making many valuable acquisitions, among which were some gigantic bamboos from fifty to sixty feet in length, and of proportionate thickness. These, when cut across near the joints134, formed capital casks, tubs, and pots; while the long sharp thorns, which begirt the stem at intervals135, were as strong and useful as iron nails.
One day we made an excursion to the farm at Prospect136 Hill, and were grievously provoked to find that the vagabond apes had been there, and wrought137 terrible mischief138, as before at Woodlands.
The animals and poultry were scattered139, and everything in the cottage so torn and dirtied, that it was vain to think of setting things right that day. We therefore very unwillingly140 left the disorder142 as we found it, purposing to devote time to the work afterwards.
When all was in readiness for the prosecution143 of our journey, we closed and barricaded145 the hut, in which, for the present, we left the store of bacon; and arranging our march in the usual patriarchal style, we took our way to the Gap, the thorough defence of which defile146 was the main object we had in view.
Our last halting-place being much enclosed by shrubs147, bamboos and brushwood, we had during our stay opened a path through the cane thicket in the direction we were about to travel; this we now found of the greatest assistance, and the loaded cart passed on without impediment.
The ground was open and tolerably level beyond, so that in a few hours we arrived at the extreme limit of our coast territory.
We halted on the outskirts148 of a little wood behind which, to the right, rose the precipitous and frowning cliffs of the mountain gorge149, while to the left flowed the torrent150, leaving between it and the rocks the narrow pass we called the Gap, and passing onward151 to mingle152 its waters with the sea.
The wood afforded us pleasant shelter and standing153 high, and within gunshot of the mouth of the rocky pass, I resolved to make it our camping-place. We therefore unpacked154 the cart, and made our usual arrangements for safety and comfort, not forgetting to examine the wood itself, so as to ascertain whether it harboured any dangerous animals. Nothing worse than wild cats was discovered. We disturbed several of these creatures in their pursuit of birds and small game, but they fled at our approach.
By the time dinner was ready we felt much fatigued155, and some hours of unusually sultry and oppressive heat compelled us to rest until towards evening, when returning coolness revived our strength. We pitched the tent, and then occupied ourselves with preparations for the next day, when it was my intention to penetrate21 the country beyond the defile, and make a longer excursion across the savannah, than had yet been undertaken.
All was ready for a start at an early hour; my brave wife consented to remain in camp with Franz as her companion, while the three elder boys, and all the dogs, except Juno, went with me.
We expected to find it somewhat difficult to make our way through the narrowest part of the pass, which had been so strongly barricaded and planted with thorny156 shrubs, but found on the contrary that the fences and walls were broken down and disarranged. It was thus very evident that the great snake, as well as the herd of peccaries, had made an entrance here.
This barricade144 was the first check that had been placed by hand of man upon the wild free will of nature in this lonely place. With one consent storms, floods, torrents157, and the wild beasts of the forest, had set themselves to destroy it.
We resolved to make the defences doubly strong, being convinced that the position was capable of being barricaded and fortified158 so as to resist the invaders159 we dreaded160.
The prospect which opened before us on emerging from the rocky pass was wide, and varied161. Swelling162 hills and verdant163 wooded vales were seen on one hand, while a great plain stretched before us, extending from the banks of the river towards a chain of lofty mountains, whose summits were rendered indistinct in the haze164 of the distance.
We crossed the stream, which we named East River, filling our flasks165 with water, and it was well we did so, for in continuing our journey, we found the soil become more arid166 and parched167 than we had expected; in fact we soon appeared surrounded by a desert.
The boys were astonished at the altered appearance of the country, part of which had been explored when we met with the buffaloes168. I reminded them of the difference of the season; that the expedition had been made directly after the rains, when vegetation had clothed with transient beauty this region, which, possessing no source of moisture in itself, had become scathed169 and bare during the blazing heat of summer.
Our march proceeded slowly, and many were the uncomplimentary remarks made on the `new country'.
`Desert of Sahara,' sighed another.
`Fit abode171 for demons,' muttered a third. `Subterranean volcanic172 fires are raging beneath our feet.'
`Patience, my good fellows!' cried I. `You are too easily discouraged. Look beyond the toilsome way to those grand mountains whose spurs are already stretching forward to meet us. Who knows what pleasant surprises await us amid their steep declivities? I, for my part, expect to find water, fresh grass, trees and a lovely resting-place.'
We were all glad to repose beneath the shade of the first overhanging rock we came to, although by pressing further upwards173, we might have attained174 to a pleasanter spot.
Looking back towards the Gap, we marked the strange contrast of the smiling country bordering the river, and the dreary175, monotonous176 plain we had traversed.
After gazing on the distant scene, we produced our store of provisions, and were busily engaged, when Knips (our constant companion) suddenly began to snuff and smell about in a very ridiculous way; finally, with a shriek177 which we knew was expressive178 of pleasure, he set off at full speed, followed by all the dogs, up a sort of glen behind us.
We left them to their own devices, being far too pleasantly engaged with our refreshments180 to care much what fancy the little rogue181 had got in his head.
When hunger was somewhat appeased182, Fritz once more cast his eyes over the expanse of plain before us, and after looking fixedly183 for a moment, exclaimed:
`Is it possible that I see a party of horsemen riding at full gallop184 towards us! Can they be wild Arabs of the desert?'
`Arabs, my boy! Certainly not; but take the spy-glass and make them out exactly. We shall have to be on our guard, whatever they are!'
`I cannot see distinctly enough to be sure,' said he presently, `and imagination supplies the deficiency of sight in most strange fashion. I could fancy them wild cattle, loaded carts, wandering hay-cocks, in fact almost anything I like.'
The spy-glass passed from hand to hand; Jack and Ernest agreed in thinking the moving objects were men on horseback; but when it came to my turn to look, I at once pronounced them to be very large ostriches186.
`This is fortunate indeed!' I exclaimed. `We must try to secure one of these magnificent birds; the feathers alone are worth having.'
As the ostriches approached, we began to consider in what way we should attempt a capture. I sent Fritz and Jack to recall the dogs, and placed myself with Ernest behind some shrubs which would conceal187 us from the birds as they came onwards.
The boys did not rejoin us for some little time; they found Knips and the dogs at a pool of water formed by a small mountain stream, which the monkey's instinct had detected; his sudden departure was thus accounted for, and they availed themselves right gladly of his discovery, filling their flasks, and hastily bathing before their return.
The ostriches continued to come in our direction, varying their pace as though in sport, springing, trotting188, galloping189 and chasing each other round and round, so that their approach was by no means rapid.
I could now perceive that of the five birds one only was a male, the white plumes190 of the wings and tail contrasting finely with the deep glossy191 black of the neck and body.
The colour of the females being ashen192 brown, the effect of their white plumes was not so handsome.
`I do not believe we shall have a chance with these birds,' said I, `except by sending Fritz's eagle in pursuit; and for that we must bide193 our time, and let them come as near as possible.'
`In what way, then, are ostriches caught by the natives of the African deserts?' inquired Fritz.
`Sometimes by chase on horseback; but their speed is so very great, that even that must be conducted by stratagem194.
`When these birds are pursued, they will run for hours in a wide circle; the hunter gallops195 after them, but describes a much smaller circle, and can therefore maintain the pace for a longer time, waiting to make the attack until the bird is fatigued.
`Among the Bushmen, the hunter sometimes envelops196 himself in the skin of an ostrich, his legs doing duty for those of the bird, and his arm managing the head and neck so as to imitate the movements of the bird when feeding. The enterprising hunter is thus enabled to get among a flock of ostriches, and to shoot them with arrows one after another.
`When aware of an enemy they defend themselves desperately, using their powerful legs as weapons, always kicking forwards, and inflicting197 dreadful injuries on dogs, and even on men if attacked without due precaution. But let us take up our positions, and keep perfectly198 still, for the ostriches are at hand!'
We held the dogs concealed199 as much as possible; the stately birds suddenly perceiving us, paused, hesitated and appeared uneasy. Yet as no movement was made, they drew a few steps nearer, with outstretched necks, examining curiously200 the unwonted spectacle before them.
The dogs became impatient, struggled from our grasp and furiously rushed towards our astonished visitors. In an instant they turned and fled with the speed of the wind; their feet seemed not to touch the ground, their wings aiding their marvellously rapid progress.
In a few moments they would have been beyond our reach, but as they turned to fly the eagle was unhooded. Singling out the male bird the falcon1 made his fatal swoop201, and, piercing the skull202, the magnificent creature was laid low. Before we could reach the spot the dogs had joined the bird of prey203, and were fiercely tearing the flesh and bedabbling the splendid plumes with gore204.
This sight grieved us. `What a pity we could not capture this glorious bird alive!' exclaimed Fritz, as we took its beautiful feathers. `It must, I am sure, have stood more than six feet high, and two of us might have mounted him at once!'
`In the vast sandy deserts where nothing grows, what can flocks of these birds find to live upon?' inquired Ernest.
`That would indeed be hard to say, if the deserts were utterly205 barren and unfruitful,' returned I, `but over these sandy wastes a beneficent Providence206 scatters207 plants of wild melons, which absorb and retain every drop of moisture, and which quench208 the thirst as well as satisfy the hunger of the ostriches and other inhabitants of the wilds. These melons, however, do not constitute his entire diet; he feeds freely on grasses, dates and hard grain, when he can obtain them.'
`Does the ostrich utter any cry?'
`The voice of the ostrich is a deep hollow rumbling209 sound, so much resembling the roar of the lion as to be occasionally mistaken for it. But what does Jack mean by waving his cap, and beckoning210 in that excited fashion? What has the boy found, I wonder?'
He ran a little way towards us, shouting: `Eggs, father! Ostriches' eggs! A huge nest-full—do come quickly!' We all hastened to the spot, and in a slight hollow of the ground, beheld211 more than twenty eggs, as large as an infant's head.
The idea of carrying more than two away with us was preposterous212, although the boys, forgetting what the weight would be, seriously contemplated213 clearing the nest. They were satisfied when a kind of landmark214 had been set up, so that if we returned we might easily find the nest.
As each egg weighed about three pounds, the boys soon found the burden considerable, even when tied into a handkerchief and carried like a basket. To relieve them, I cut a strong elastic heath stick, and suspending an egg in its sling215 at each end, laid the bent216 stick over Jack's shoulder, and like a Dutch dairy-maid with her milkpails, he stepped merrily along without inconvenience.
We presently reached a marshy217 place surrounding a little pool evidently fed by the stream which Knips had discovered. The soft ground was trodden and marked by the footsteps of many different sorts of animals; we saw tracks of buffaloes, antelopes218, onagers or quaggas, but no trace whatever of any kind of serpent: hitherto our journey in search of monster reptiles219 had been signalized by very satisfactory failure.
By this brook we sat down to rest and take some food; Fangs presently disappeared, and Jack calling to his pet discovered him gnawing220 at something which he had dug from the marsh.
Taking it for a root of some sort, Jack brought it for my inspection. I dipped it in water to clear off the mud, and to my surprise found a queer little living creature, no bigger than half an apple, in my hand. It was a small tortoise.
`A tortoise, I declare!' cried Fritz. `What a long way from the sea.
How came it here, I wonder?'
`Perhaps there has been a tortoise-shower,' remarked Ernest. `One reads of frog-showers in the time of the ancient Romans.'
`Hollo, Professor! You're out for once,' said I. `This is nothing but a mud-tortoise, which lives in wet, marshy ground and fresh water. They are useful in gardens; for although they like a few lettuce221 leaves now and then, they will destroy numbers of snails222, grubs, and worms.'
Resuming our journey, we arrived at a charming valley, verdant, fruitful, and shaded by clumps223 of graceful51 trees. It afforded us the greatest delight and refreshment179 to pass along this cool and lovely vale, which we agreed to call Glen Verdant.
In the distance we could see herds224 of antelopes or buffaloes feeding; but as our dogs continually ranged a long way ahead of us, they were quickly startled, and vanished up one or other of the narrow gorges225 which opened out of the valley.
Following the imperceptible windings226 of the vale, we were surprised, on quitting it for the more open ground, to find ourselves in country we were already acquainted with, and not far from the Jackal Cave, as we called the place where Fangs had been captured in cubhood.
On recognizing the spot, Ernest, who was in advance with one of the dogs, hastened towards it. We lost sight of him for a few minutes, and then arose a cry of terror, violent barking and deep, surly growls227.
As we rushed forward, Ernest met us, looking white as ashes, and calling out:
`A bear, a bear, father! He is coming after me!'
The boy clung to me in mortal fear. I felt his whole frame quivering.
`Courage, my son!' cried I, disengaging myself from his grasp. `We must prepare for instant defence!'
The dogs dashed forward to join the fray228, whatever it was; and not long were we in doubt. To my no small consternation229, an enormous bear made his appearance, quickly followed by another.
With levelled guns, my brave Fritz and I advanced slowly to meet them. Jack was also ready to fire, but the shock had so unnerved Ernest that he fairly took to his heels. We fired together, one at each bear; but though hit, the monsters were unfortunately only wounded. We found it most difficult to take aim, as the dogs beset230 them on all sides.
However, they were much disabled, one having the lower jaw231 broken, and the other, with a bullet in its shoulder, was effectually lamed232. The dogs, perceiving their advantage, pressed more closely round their foes234, who yet defended themselves furiously with frightful235 yells of pain and rage.
Such was the confusion and perpetual movement of the struggle, that I dared not fire again, seeing that even slightly wounding one of our gallant236 hounds would instantly place him in the power of the raging bears.
Watching our opportunity, we suddenly advanced with loaded pistols to within a very few paces of the animals, and firing, both fell dead, one shot through the head, the other, in the act of rearing to spring on Fritz, received his charge in its heart.
`Thank Heaven!' cried I, as with dull groans237 the brutes238 sank to the ground. `We have escaped the greatest peril239 we have yet encountered!'
The dogs continued to tear and worry the fallen foe233, as though unwilling141 to trust the appearance of death. With feelings somewhat akin29, I drew my hunting-knife, and made assurance doubly sure.
Seeing all safe, Jack raised a shout of victory, that poor Ernest might gain courage to approach the scene of conflict, which at last he did, and joined us in examining the dangerous animals, as they lay motionless before us.
Every point was full of interest, their wounds, their sharp teeth, their mighty240 claws, the extraordinary strength of neck and shoulder, all were remarked and commented on, and observing that the shaded brown hair was tipped with glossy white, I thought that these might be the silver bears* mentioned in Captain Clarke's journey to the north-west coasts of America.
`Well, my lads,' said I, `if we have failed to catch sight of serpents, we have at least made good riddance of some other bad rubbish! These fellows would one day have worked us woe242, or I am much mistaken. What's to be done next?'
`Why, skin them, to be sure,' said Fritz. `We shall have a couple of splendid bear-skin rugs.'
As this process would take time and evening drew on, we dragged the huge carcases into their den16, to await our return, concealing243 them with boughs of trees and fencing the entrance as well as we could. The ostrich eggs we also left behind us, hidden in a sandy hole.
By sunset we reached the tent, and joyfully rejoined my wife and Franz, right glad to find a hearty244 meal prepared for us, as well as a large heap of brushwood for the watch-fire.
When a full account of our adventures had been given, with a minute and special description of the bear-fight, my wife related what she had done during our absence. She and Franz had made their way through the wood up to the rocks behind it, and discovered a bed of pure white clay, which it seemed to her might be used for making porcelain245. Then she had contrived246 a drinking-trough for the cattle out of a split bamboo.
She had arranged a hearth in a sheltered place by building up large stones, cemented with the white clay; and, finally, she had cut a quantity of canes and brought them, on the cart, to be in readiness for the building we had in hand.
I praised the thoughtful diligence which had effected so much that was of real and definite use. In order to try the clay I put some balls of it in the fire now kindled to burn during the night, and we then betook ourselves to rest under shelter of our tent.
I awoke at dawn and aroused my little party. My first idea was to examine the clay balls, which I found baked hard and finely glazed247, but too much melted down by the heat—a fault which, seeing the excellent quality of the clay, I knew it would be well worthwhile to remedy.
After breakfast, and our accustomed devotions, we harnessed the cart, and took the way to the bears' den. Fritz headed the party, and, coming in sight of the entrance to the cave, called out softly:
`Make haste and you will see a whole crowd of wild turkeys, who seem to have come to attend the funeral obsequies of their respected friend and neighbour, Bruin, here. But there appears to be a jealous watcher who is unwilling to admit the visitors to the bed of state!'
The Watcher, as Fritz called him, was an immensely large bird, with a sort of comb on his head, and a loose fleshy skin hanging from beneath the beak248. Part of the neck was bare, wrinkled and purplish-red, while around it, resting on the shoulders, was a downy collar of soft white feathers. The plumage was greyish-brown, marked here and there with white patches; the feet appeared to be armed with strong claws. This great bird guarded the entrance to the cave, occasionally retiring into it himself for a few minutes; but as soon as the other birds came pressing in after him, he hurried out again and they were forced to retire.
We stopped to observe this curious scene, and were startled suddenly by a mighty rush of wings in the air above us. We looked up; at the same moment Fritz fired, and an enormous bird fell heavily head foremost on the rocks, by which its neck was broken, while blood flowed from a wound in the breast.
We had been holding back the dogs, but they, with Fritz, now rushed towards the cave, the birds rising around them and departing with heavy ungainly flight, leaving only Fritz's prize, and one of the other birds, killed by the large one in its fall.
With the utmost caution I entered the cave, and rejoiced to find that the tongue and eyes only of the bears had been devoured249: a little later and we should have had the handsome skins pecked and torn to rags, and all chance of steaks and bears'-paws gone.
On measuring the wings of the large bird from tip to tip, I found the length exceeded eleven feet, and concluded it to be a condor250; it was evidently the mate of the `Watcher', as Fritz called the first we saw.
To work we now went on the bears, and no slight affair we found it to skin and cut them up, but by dint251 of perseverance252 we at last succeeded in our object.
Determining to smoke the meat on the spot, we cut magnificent hams, and took off the rest of the meat in slices after the manner of the buccaneers in the West Indies, preserving the paws entire to be cooked as a delicacy253, and obtaining from the two bears together a prodigious254 supply of lard, which my wife gladly undertook to melt and prepare for keeping.
The bones and offal we drew to some distance with the help of our cattle, and made the birds of the air most welcome to feast upon it. This, with the assistance of all sorts of insects, they did so effectually that before we left the place the skulls255 were picked perfectly clean, the sun had dried them, and they were ready for us to carry off to our museum.
The skins had to be very carefully scraped, washed, salted, cleansed with ashes and dried, which occupied fully24 two days.
I was lamenting256 our distance from the rascusara* tree, the leaves of which had flavoured our roast peccary so nicely, when I observed among the brushwood which the boys had brought from the thickets around us, a climbing plant, whose leaves had a very strong smell; the stem resembled a vine, and the fruit grew in clusters like currants. Some were red, and some of a green colour, which I supposed to denote various degrees of ripeness. They were hard, and the outer skin was quite thin. I recognized in this the pepper plant, a discovery particularly agreeable at this moment.
* Previously257 he called it ravensara.
The boys soon gathered a large supply; the red berries were soaked in salt and water for several days, then washed and rubbed, and finally, becoming perfectly white, were dried in the sun. The treatment of the green berries was simple; they were merely exposed to the sun's heat for a day or two, and then stored: in this way we obtained enough, both of black and white pepper, to last us a very long time.
I took also a number of young plants, that we might have pepper growing at Rockburg and our various settlements. Some roots of another plant were also taken, which, from the pods, appeared to be a kind of bean.
We were glad of this occupation during the tedious business of smoking the bears' meat, and availed ourselves of the leisure time by also preparing for stuffing the condor and the turkey buzzard, urubu or black vulture—for I could not determine to which species the smaller bird belonged.
The four boys at length became so weary of inaction, that I determined to let them make an excursion alone on the savannah.
Three of them received this permission with eager delight, but Ernest said he would prefer to remain with us; to which, as the expedition was to be entirely258 one of pleasure, I could make no objection.
Little Franz, on the other hand, whom I would willingly have kept with us, was wild to go with his brothers, and I was obliged to consent, as I had made the proposal open to all, and could not draw back.
In the highest spirits they ran to bring their steeds (as we were fain to call the cattle they rode) from their pasturage at a short distance. Speedily were they saddled, bridled259 and mounted—the three lads were ready to be off.
It was my wish that our sons should cultivate a habit of bold independence, for well I knew that it might be the will of God to deprive them easily of their parents; when, without an enterprising spirit of self-reliance, their position would be truly miserable260.
My gallant Fritz possessed this desirable quality in no small degree, and to him I committed the care of his young brothers, charging them to look up to and obey him as their leader.
They were well armed, well mounted, had a couple of good dogs; and, with a hearty `God speed and bless you, my boys!' I let them depart.
We who remained behind passed the day in a variety of useful occupations.
The bears' meat, which was being cured in a smoking-shed such as that we set up for the peccary hams, required a good deal of attention from my wife. Ernest had a fancy for making ornamental261 cups from the ostrich eggs, while I investigated the interior of the cave.
I found the inner wall to consist of a kind of talc, mingled262 with threads of asbestos, and also indications of mica263. Examining further, I detached a large block, and found to my joy that I could split it into clear transparent sheets, which would serve admirably for window panes264.
My wife saw this substitute for glass with unfeigned satisfaction, declaring, that although she would not complain, yet the want of glass for windows had been a downright trouble to her.
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1
falcon
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| n.隼，猎鹰 | |
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thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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morass
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| n.沼泽，困境 | |
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marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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vowing
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的现在分词形式） | |
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ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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hurdles
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| n.障碍( hurdle的名词复数 )；跳栏；（供人或马跳跃的）栏架；跨栏赛 | |
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lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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eel
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| n.鳗鲡 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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reverberating
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| 回响，回荡( reverberate的现在分词 )； 使反响，使回荡，使反射 | |
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lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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22
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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facets
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| n.（宝石或首饰的）小平面( facet的名词复数 )；（事物的）面；方面 | |
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sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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eels
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| abbr. 电子发射器定位系统（=electronic emitter location system） | |
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horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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outright
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| adv.坦率地；彻底地；立即；adj.无疑的；彻底的 | |
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tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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utensils
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| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
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41
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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42
grumble
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| vi.抱怨；咕哝；n.抱怨，牢骚；咕哝，隆隆声 | |
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43
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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44
furrow
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| n.沟；垄沟；轨迹；车辙；皱纹 | |
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poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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47
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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48
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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50
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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51
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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52
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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53
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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54
braying
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| v.发出驴叫似的声音( bray的现在分词 )；发嘟嘟声；粗声粗气地讲话（或大笑）；猛击 | |
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55
boggy
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| adj.沼泽多的 | |
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56
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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57
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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59
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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60
hog
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| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
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61
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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64
strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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66
mound
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| n.土墩，堤，小山；v.筑堤，用土堆防卫 | |
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67
pounced
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| v.突然袭击( pounce的过去式和过去分词 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
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68
chattered
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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69
hissed
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| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
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70
squeaked
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| v.短促地尖叫( squeak的过去式和过去分词 )；吱吱叫；告密；充当告密者 | |
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71
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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72
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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73
mounds
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| 土堆，土丘( mound的名词复数 )； 一大堆 | |
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74
lodges
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| v.存放( lodge的第三人称单数 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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75
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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76
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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77
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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78
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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79
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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80
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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81
beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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82
musk
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| n.麝香, 能发出麝香的各种各样的植物，香猫 | |
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83
muskrat
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| n.麝香鼠 | |
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84
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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85
glands
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| n.腺( gland的名词复数 ) | |
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86
gland
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| n.腺体，(机)密封压盖，填料盖 | |
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87
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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88
scented
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| adj.有香味的；洒香水的；有气味的v.嗅到(scent的过去分词) | |
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89
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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90
taints
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| n.变质( taint的名词复数 )；污染；玷污；丑陋或腐败的迹象v.使变质( taint的第三人称单数 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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91
corked
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| adj.带木塞气味的，塞着瓶塞的v.用瓶塞塞住( cork的过去式 ) | |
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92
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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93
secreted
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| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的过去式和过去分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
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94
glandular
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| adj.腺体的 | |
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95
pouch
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|
| n.小袋，小包，囊状袋；vt.装...入袋中，用袋运输；vi.用袋送信件 | |
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96
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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97
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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98
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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100
munch
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| v.用力嚼，大声咀嚼 | |
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101
scramble
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| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
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102
fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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103
mattresses
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| 褥垫，床垫( mattress的名词复数 ) | |
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104
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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105
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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106
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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107
canes
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| n.（某些植物，如竹或甘蔗的）茎( cane的名词复数 )；（用于制作家具等的）竹竿；竹杖 | |
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108
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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109
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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110
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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111
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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112
tusks
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| n.（象等动物的）长牙( tusk的名词复数 )；獠牙；尖形物；尖头 | |
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113
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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114
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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115
tainted
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| adj.腐坏的；污染的；沾污的；感染的v.使变质( taint的过去式和过去分词 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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116
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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117
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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118
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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119
singeing
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| v.浅表烧焦( singe的现在分词 )；（毛发）燎，烧焦尖端[边儿]；烧毛 | |
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120
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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121
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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122
cleansed
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| 弄干净，清洗( cleanse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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123
singed
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| v.浅表烧焦( singe的过去式和过去分词 )；（毛发）燎，烧焦尖端[边儿] | |
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124
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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126
sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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127
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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128
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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129
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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130
cinders
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| n.煤渣( cinder的名词复数 )；炭渣；煤渣路；煤渣跑道 | |
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131
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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132
clove
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| n.丁香味 | |
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133
distilled
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| adj.由蒸馏得来的v.蒸馏( distil的过去式和过去分词 )；从…提取精华 | |
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134
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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135
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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136
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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137
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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138
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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139
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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140
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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141
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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142
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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143
prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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144
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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145
barricaded
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| 设路障于，以障碍物阻塞( barricade的过去式和过去分词 )； 设路障[防御工事]保卫或固守 | |
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146
defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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147
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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148
outskirts
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| n.郊外，郊区 | |
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149
gorge
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| n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃 | |
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150
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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151
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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152
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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153
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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154
unpacked
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| v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的过去式和过去分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
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155
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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156
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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157
torrents
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| n.倾注；奔流( torrent的名词复数 )；急流；爆发；连续不断 | |
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158
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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159
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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160
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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161
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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162
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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163
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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164
haze
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| n.霾，烟雾；懵懂，迷糊；vi.(over)变模糊 | |
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165
flasks
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| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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166
arid
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| adj.干旱的；(土地)贫瘠的 | |
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167
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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168
buffaloes
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| n.水牛（分非洲水牛和亚洲水牛两种）( buffalo的名词复数 )；（南非或北美的）野牛；威胁；恐吓 | |
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169
scathed
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| v.伤害，损害（尤指使之枯萎）( scathe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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170
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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171
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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172
volcanic
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| adj.火山的；象火山的；由火山引起的 | |
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173
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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174
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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175
dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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176
monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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177
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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178
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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179
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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180
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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181
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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182
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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183
fixedly
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| adv.固定地；不屈地，坚定不移地 | |
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184
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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185
ostrich
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| n.鸵鸟 | |
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186
ostriches
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| n.鸵鸟( ostrich的名词复数 )；逃避现实的人，不愿正视现实者 | |
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187
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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188
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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189
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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190
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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191
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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192
ashen
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| adj.灰的 | |
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193
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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194
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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195
gallops
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| （马等）奔驰，骑马奔驰( gallop的名词复数 ) | |
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196
envelops
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的第三人称单数 ) | |
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197
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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198
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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199
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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200
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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201
swoop
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| n.俯冲，攫取；v.抓取，突然袭击 | |
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202
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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203
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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204
gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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205
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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206
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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207
scatters
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| v.（使）散开， （使）分散，驱散( scatter的第三人称单数 )；撒 | |
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208
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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209
rumbling
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| n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词 | |
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210
beckoning
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| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
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211
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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212
preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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213
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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214
landmark
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| n.陆标，划时代的事，地界标 | |
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215
sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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216
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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217
marshy
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| adj.沼泽的 | |
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218
antelopes
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| 羚羊( antelope的名词复数 )； 羚羊皮革 | |
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219
reptiles
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| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
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220
gnawing
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| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
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221
lettuce
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| n.莴苣；生菜 | |
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222
snails
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| n.蜗牛；迟钝的人；蜗牛( snail的名词复数 ) | |
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223
clumps
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| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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224
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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225
gorges
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| n.山峡，峡谷( gorge的名词复数 )；咽喉v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的第三人称单数 )；作呕 | |
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226
windings
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| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
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227
growls
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的第三人称单数 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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228
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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229
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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230
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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231
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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232
lamed
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| 希伯莱语第十二个字母 | |
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233
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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234
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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235
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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236
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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237
groans
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| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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238
brutes
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| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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239
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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240
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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241
grizzlies
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| 北美洲灰熊( grizzly的名词复数 ) | |
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242
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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243
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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244
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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245
porcelain
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| n.瓷；adj.瓷的，瓷制的 | |
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246
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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247
glazed
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| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
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248
beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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249
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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250
condor
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| n.秃鹰；秃鹰金币 | |
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251
dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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252
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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253
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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254
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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255
skulls
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| 颅骨( skull的名词复数 )； 脑袋； 脑子； 脑瓜 | |
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256
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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257
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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258
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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259
bridled
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的过去式和过去分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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260
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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261
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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262
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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263
mica
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| n.云母 | |
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264
panes
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| 窗玻璃( pane的名词复数 ) | |
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