Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/107

Rh limbs— denoting great activity — and yellow coat spotted with white, made it in no way inferior to the best horses of American descent. It could certainly be used for riding if they could tame it and break it in as was easily done in the Argentine. It was very timid and made no attempt at escape. As soon as Baxter had loosened the slip-knot, it was easy to lead it with the lasso which served the purpose of a halter.

The expedition to the north of Family Lake had been a profitable one for the colony. The guanaco, the vicugna and her two kids, the discovery of the tea-tree, of the trulcas and the algarrobe, ensured a hearty welcome to Gordon, and even more to Baxter, who had none of Donagan's vanity and was not at all conceited over his success.

Gordon was delighted to find that the bolas and lasso could be really useful. Donagan was a capital shot, but his skill required an expenditure of powder and lead which the colony could ill spare, and Gordon determined to encourage his comrades in practising with these weapons of the chase of which the Indians make such profitable use.

The map showed that four miles still separated the boys from French Den, and the word was given to hurry on. It was not envy which forbade Service from bestriding the guanaco and riding home in state, but Gordon thought it was better to wait until the creature was broken in.

"I don't think he'll kick much," said he, "but if he won't let you ride him, he might consent to draw the cart."

About six o'clock they arrived in sight of French Den.

Young Costar, amusing himself on the terrace, announced the approach of the expedition; and Briant and the others ran out to welcome Gordon with cheers