"But he speaks seriously," said the major.

"Yes, major, you shall see."

Robert was not mistaken, and soon they found themselves before a vast field of horns, regularly planted.

"Well?" said Robert.

"This is something singular," replied Paganel, turning towards the Indian with a questioning look.

AN ANXIOUS INDIAN.

"The horns come from the ground," explained Thalcave; "and the cattle are under it."

"What!" cried Paganel, "is there a whole drove in this mire?"

"Yes," answered the Patagonian.