" sun had dried them, them put on their dresses, and we continued our walk brook, till we arrived grove before this rock I removed the branches through it, and saw beyond them the entrance grotto very low and narrow; but help uttering cry of joy, for the only sort of retreat that could securely shelter us going to enter it without thought, not reflecting some ferocious animal, when arrested by plaintive cry, more like that of child than wild beast; I advanced with more caution, and tried out what sort of an inhabitant the cave contained indeed human being ! --an infant, whose age discover; but it seemed too young to walk, and was, besides, tied up in leaves and moss, enclosed in piece of bark, much torn and rent The poor infant uttered the most piteous cries, and hesitate moment to enter the cave, and to innocent little creature in my arms; it ceased its cries it felt the warmth cheek; but evidently in want of food, and I had nothing it but some figs, I pressed the juice into its mouth; this seemed to satisfy it, and, rocking it in my arms, it soon went to sleep I had then time to examine it, and to look round the cave size and form face, I concluded it older than I had first thought; and I recollected read savages carried their children swaddled up , even till walk The complexion child was pale olive, which since discovered natural complexion natives, exposure heat sun gives them the bronze hue seen; the features were good, except lips were thicker mouth larger than those Europeans My two girls were charmed with it, and caressed it with great joy I left them to rock it gently in its cradle of bark, till I went round this cave, which I intended palace, and which never quitted it--the form changed; but, since Heaven has sent me friend," looking missionary, " adorned with furniture and utensils completed my comforts But to return

"The grotto was spacious, and irregular in form In hollow , with surprise, sort of bed, carefully arranged with moss, dry leaves, and small twigs alarmed grotto inhabited by men or by wild beasts ? In either case, dangerous to remain here I encouraged hope, however, that, infant being here, the mother the inhabitant, , on her return, finding me nursing her child, she induced to share her asylum , however, reconcile this hope circumstance child being abandoned open cave

"As considering whether I ought to remain, or leave the cave, I heard strange cries at distance, mingled screams children, who came running for protection, bringing the young savage, who fortunately was only half awaked, and soon went to sleep again, sucking fig I laid him gently bed of leaves, and told my daughters to remain near him in dark corner; then, stepping cautiously, I ventured to look out to discover passing, without being seen The noise approached nearer, to my great alarm, and perceive, trees, crowd of men armed with long pointed lances, clubs, and stones; they appeared furious, idea that enter the cave froze me with terror I had an idea of taking the little native babe, and holding it in my arms, as my best shield; but my fears were groundless The whole troop passed outside the wood, without even looking same side grotto; they appeared some traces they were looking out for ground I heard their shouts for , but they died away, and I recovered from my fears Still, the dread of meeting them overcame even hunger I had nothing left in my box but some figs, which I kept infant, who was satisfied , and my daughters go to bed without supper The sleeping infant amused them , readily consented up the figs He awoke smiling, gave him the figs to suck mean time, I prepared to release him bondage him more comfortable; and I then saw outer covering of bark was torn teeth of some animal, and even the skin child slightly grazed I ventured to carry him brook, into which I plunged him times, which seemed him great pleasure

"I ran back cave, , , not more than twenty yards distant, and found Sophia and Matilda delighted at treasure they had found under the dry leaves in corner great quantity of fruits of various kinds, roots of some unknown plant, and good supply of beautiful honey, the little gluttons were already feasting They came directly some on their fingers little doll, called the babe This discovery made me very thoughtful possible that we were in bear's den ! I had read sometimes carried off infants and were very fond of fruits and of honey, they generally had hoard I remarked earth, and especially entrance, where the rain had made it soft, the impression of large paws which left me The animal would certainly return den, and we were greatest danger; but where could we go ? The sky, dark with clouds, threatened return storm; troop of savages might still be wandering island I courage, just as night set in, to depart with my children; nor could I leave the poor infant, who was now sleeping peacefully, after his honey and figs His two nurses soon followed his example; but no rest; the noise wind trees, and rain pattering leaves,--the murmur brook,--the light bounds kangaroo,--all made my heart beat with fear and terror; I fancied it bear returning to devour us I had cut and broken some branches entrance; but these were but weak defence against furious and probably famished animal; and if he even did no other harm to my children, sure their terror sight of him would kill them I paced backwards and forwards, entrance bed, darkness, envying the dear sleepers their calm and fearless rest; the dark-skinned baby slept soundly, nestled warmly between my daughters, till day broke at last, without anything terrible occurring Then my little people awoke, and cried out with hunger We ate fruits and honey brought us by our unknown friend, feeding, also, our little charge, my daughters gave the pet name of Minou_, which he still keeps

"I busied myself toilette no need brook for bath, rain came down incessantly I then folded Matilda's apron round him, which pleased her greatly The rain ceased for while, set off for flowers to amuse him They were scarcely gone when I heard the cries savages again; but they seemed rather shouts of joy and triumph; they sung and chaunted sort of chorus; but were still at such distance that I had time to recal my daughters, and withdrew them out of sight Minou with me as mediator, and placed myself in an angle rock, where I without being seen They passed, as before, beyond the wood, armed, and two bore end lances something very large and dark, which distinguish, but thought some wild beast they had destroyed; afterwards, I flattered myself it the bear, whose return I so greatly dreaded Following the train was woman, naked, with her hair hanging down, uttering loud cries, and tearing her face and breast No one attempted to soothe her; but occasionally bearers black mass pointed it out to her; she then became furious, threw herself , and tried to tear it with her teeth and nails quite overcome with horror and pity