A "RESTAURANT" REOPENED.
This casucha, constructed by the Indians, was made of adobes, a kind of bricks dried in the sun. Ten persons could easily find room inside, and, if its walls had not been sufficiently water-tight in the rainy season, at this time, at least, they were some protection against the severity of the cold. There was, besides, a sort of fireplace with a flue of bricks very poorly laid, which enabled them to kindle a fire, and thus withstand the external temperature.
"Here is a shelter, at least," said Glenarvan, "even if it is not comfortable. Providence has led us hither, and we cannot do better than accept this fortune."
"Why," replied Paganel, "it is a palace. It only wants sentries and courtiers. We shall get along admirably here."
"Especially when a good fire is blazing on the hearth," said Tom Austin; "for, if we are hungry, we are none the less cold it seems to me; and, for my part, a good fagot would delight me more than a slice of venison."
"Well, Tom," said Paganel, "we will try to find something combustible."
"Something combustible on the top of the Andes?" said Mulready, shaking his head doubtfully.
"Since a chimney has been made in this hut," replied the major, "there is probably something here to burn."
"Our friend is right," added Glenarvan. "Prepare everything for supper; and I will play the part of wood-cutter."