CHAPTER XXXIV.
Several times during the night strange sounds were heard. Once they were all aroused, thinking the Lali were upon them. At another time they thought a wild beast was prowling near them, and again that they heard sounds made by the Aurora Borealis. Near morning, when the first glimmer of light appeared, there was a rush in the direction from which came an ominous growl. One after another followed the leader to learn the cause of it. In their haste the foremost stumbled on a huge living object, which nearly frightened him to death; while the rest, in their impetuosity, fell over the same thing, so that soon there was a great heap of living humanity and wild confusion.
All wondered what had thrown them, and, to increase their wonderment, the object did not move, but seemed indifferent to the tumbling which they did upon him. They were afraid to approach, until the light should become stronger; for they did not as yet have candles to guide them at night, but had to wait for the day, or else grope in darkness. As it dawned, however, and things became more distinguishable, one, more venturesome than the rest, advanced, and, to his relief, found that it was Pounder, who was rolled up in a heap, and lay before them dead drunk.
Among the roots dug up and eaten by the Ammi, was a species of mandrake, which had a stupefying effect. Pounder had become fond of this root, or rather of its effects, and he carried it about with him for occasional indulgence. His addiction to the habit was, perhaps, the cause of his quarrelsomeness; for he frequently quarrelled with others, although this was, perhaps, the first case of well-defined spree known to humanity.
Several of the Ammi, thinking he was dead, rolled him over, and repeated the rolling several times.
“He is only sleeping,” said one; “see how he breathes;” and they shook him to wake him.
Presently his eyes opened, when another exclaimed: