Zachariah was of a cheerful disposition, and made company for the melancholy Dominique, who however did not grow more lively in consequence. The latter used to lecture Zachariah, and give him the advantages of his experience, describe mysterious and savoury dishes that he had concocted in cities, and recount the perils to be endured by colonists living amongst Arabs in the interior. His chief complaint against Zachariah was, ‘Ce pauvre jeune homme ne sait pas beaucoup, cependant il ne demande pas de conseil.’ Those were trying days for both men, when they had to cook in the pouring rain. Dominique also was extremely disgusted at the freedom with which we let natives sit in the entrance to our tent; he periodically rushed in a perfect frenzy of rage, at the boys who chaffed him, and ‘Dominique Marboul’ (Mad Dominique) became a familiar expression in our ears.
One morning some Kabyles brought two very young boars to the tents, little brown and yellow striped creatures. Zachariah, taking a fancy to these genuine ‘cochons sauvages,’ bought them for pets. Little boars, as they grow up, are said to become much attached to their masters, nothing delighting them more than to follow their benefactors incessantly, and by rubbing against their legs, demonstrate their gratitude and affection. One of these dear creatures was put out to nurse, given into the charge of a Kabyle lad to rear, Zachariah undertaking to look after the other himself. Part of our tent was partitioned off into a room for Dominique. Zachariah slept there also; and he hid away his pet in the corner, while Dominique sat opposite, predicting evil for it. The pig had naturally no intention of remaining in one particular spot; and on finding itself alone, went squeaking all about the place, feebly enough, for it was weak and soon grew weaker. On the second day it was ‘in extremis,’ with a pinched-up look about the body. Zachariah, anxious about the brother out at nurse, had it brought back and set by the fire for warmth. He was called away, and meanwhile the little beast, shivering, toppled into the glowing embers and was roasted. This tragedy was quickly followed by the death of the surviving pig. During the night, while nursed in Zachariah’s bosom, with a few faint squeaks, it closed its brief and chastened existence.
JEWELLERY.
Tuesday, May 4, 1880.—H. M.’s leave of absence drew towards a close. He and his comrade could no longer remain, and we were obliged to part with their pleasant company. The mules were laden, and we bade our friends ‘bon voyage.’
The trees were now in fulness of summer leaf, but in spite of the rich and rapid growth of all vegetation, owing to the wet, there was not that delicate brilliance which the opening burst of spring presented.
It was just a month since we left Algiers, and we had completed so little, that feelings of despair came upon us.
HEWING.
’Tis more by art, than force of numerous strokes,