On this particular morning Barney observed that the hermit carried with him a stout spear, which he was not usually in the habit of doing.

Being of an inquisitive disposition, he inquired the reason of his taking it.
"I expect to find a jaguar to-day," answered the hermit.

"I saw him yesterday go down into the small valley in which my cows grow.

I will show you my cows soon, Martin." The hermit stopped short suddenly as he spoke, and pointed to a large bird, about fifty yards in advance of them.

It seemed to bear a particular ill-will to a round rough stone which it pecked most energetically.