It was pure white, about the size of a thrush, and had a curious horn or fleshy tubercle upon its head.
Having rested and refreshed themselves, they resumed their journey a short time before the noisy inhabitants of the woods recommenced their active afternoon operations.
"Hallo! what's that ?" cried Barney, starting back and drawing his pistol, while Martin hastily fitted an arrow to his bow.
Not ten paces in front of them a frightful monster ran across their path, which seemed so hideous to Martin that his mind instantly reverted to the fable of St.George and the Dragon, and he almost expected to see fire issuing from its mouth.

It was a huge lizard, with a body about three feet long, covered with bright scales.

It had a long, thick tail.

Its head was clumsy and misshapen, and altogether its aspect was very horrible.

Before either Martin or Barney could fire, the hermit dropped his gun and spear, sprang quickly forward, caught the animal by the tail, and, putting forth his great strength to the utmost, swung it round his head and dashed its brains out against a tree.
Barney and Martin could only stare with amazement.
"This we call an iguana," said the hermit, as he piled a number of heavy stones on the carcase to preserve it from other animals.