The sow had proved very mutinous at setting out, and we had been compelled to leave her; she now voluntarily joined us, seeing we were actually departing; but continued to grunt loudly her disapprobation of our proceedings.

After we had crossed the river, we had another embarrassment.

The rich grass tempted our animals to stray off to feed, and, but for our dogs, we should never have been able to muster them again.

But, for fear of further accident, I commanded my advanced guard to take the road by the coast, which offered no temptation to our troops.
We had scarcely left the high grass when our dogs rushed back into it, barking furiously, and howling as if in combat; Fritz immediately prepared for action, Ernest drew near his mother, Jack rushed forward with his gun over his shoulder, and I cautiously advanced, commanding them to be discreet and cool.

But Jack, with his usual impetuosity, leaped among the high grass to the dogs; and immediately returned, clapping his hands, and crying out, "Be quick, papa! a huge porcupine, with quills as long as my arm!" When I got up, I really found a porcupine, whom the dogs were warmly attacking.