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 ornamental 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, mingled with
threads of asbestos, and also indications of mica. 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 panes.
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.
Chapter 13
As evening approached, the bears' paws, which were stewing for supper,
sent forth savoury odours; and we sat talking round the fire, while
listening anxiously for sounds heralding the return of our young
explorers.
At last the tramp and beat of hoofs struck our ears; the little troop
appeared, crossing the open ground before us at a sharp trot, and a
shrill ringing cheer greeted us as we rose and went to meet them.
They sprang from their saddles, the animals were set at liberty to
refresh themselves, and the riders eagerly came to exhibit their
acquisitions and give an account of themselves.
Pages:
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392