are in a country, the appearance of which even astonishes me.  It is true, it is the first time I have followed this route across the plateau, a route which has the advantage of shortening our journey.  But, if I have not yet seen it, I know that it presents an extraordinary contrast to the veritable pampa.  As to this one, you would find it again, not between the Cordilleras of the west and the high chain of the Andes, but beyond the mountains, over all that eastern part of the continent which extends as far as the Atlantic.”

“Must we then clear the Andes range?” Dick Sand asked, quickly.

“No, my young friend, no,” replied the American, smiling.  “So I said:  You would find it again, and not:  You will find it again.  Be reassured, we shall not leave this plateau, the greatest elevations of which do not exceed fifteen hundred feet.  Ah! if it had been necessary to cross the Cordilleras with only the means of transport at our disposal, I should never have drawn you into such an undertaking.”

“In fact,” replied Dick Sand, “it would be better to ascend or descend the coast.”

“Oh! a hundred times!” replied Harris.  “But the Farm of San Felice is situated on this side of the Cordilleras.  So, then, our journey, neither in its first nor in its second part, will offer any real difficulty.”

“And you do not fear going astray in these forests, which you cross for the first time?” asked Dick Sand.

“No, my young friend, no,” replied Harris.  “I know indeed that this forest is like an immense sea, or rather like the bottom of a sea, where a sailor himself could not take the latitude nor recognize his position.  But accustomed to traveling in the woods, I know how to find my route only by the inclination of certain trees, by the direction of their leaves, by the movement or the composition of the soil, by a thousand details which escape you!  Be sure of it, I will lead you, you and yours, where you ought to go!”

All these things were said very clearly by Harris.  Dick Sand and he, at the head of the troop, often talked without any one mingling in their conversation.  If the novice felt some doubts that the American did not always succeed in scattering, he preferred to keep them to himself.

The 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of April passed in this manner, without any incident to mark the journey.  They did not make more than eight to nine miles in twelve hours.  The times consecrated to eating or repose came at regular intervals, and though a little fatigue was felt already, the sanitary condition was still very satisfactory.