"Indeed," said he, "I must confess a llama-steak would not be bad just now."
"What!" cried the major, "are you not content with our supper, Paganel?"
"Enchanted, my good major; but I acknowledge a plate of venison would be welcome."
"You are a sybarite," said MacNabb.
"I accept the title, major; but you yourself, whatever you may say, would not be displeased with a beefsteak."
"Probably not."
"And if you were asked to take your post at the cannon, you would go without a word."
"Certainly: and, although it pleases you——"
His companions had not heard any more, when distant and prolonged howls were heard. They were not the cries of scattered animals, but those of a herd approaching with rapidity. Would Providence, after furnishing them with shelter, give them their supper? Such was the thought of the geographer. But Glenarvan humbled his joy somewhat by observing that the animals of the Andes were never met with in so elevated a region.
"Whence comes the noise, then?" asked Tom Austin. "Hear how it approaches!"