Page:Neuroomia.djvu/211

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I ENJOY A PROLONGED HOLIDAY.

table-land. Here the houses and tilled fields disappeared, and we found ourselves on a level, barren tract of land covered with low shrubs, while the dark outline of a dense forest stretched along the horizon in front. It was indeed a delightful ride, with Fudelora by ray side, and I felt doubly invigorated by the fresh breezes from the ice.

"Have we much farther to go before we make a halt?" I inquired of my fair companion, for I began to think of the animals carrying the provisions.

"Not very far," was the reply. "You see the forest yonder," she continued; "well, we have only to proceed a little distance into it, when we meet the Poroporia, or first great sunk valley. There we shall be staying for some time; indeed, it is very probable that we shall not be going beyond it on this occasion."

"Have you ever been to Tehana?" I asked.

"No," was the answer. "I was born in Orangala, and have never been beyond the borders of the state."

"You are not fond of travelling, then?" I remarked.

"No," she responded; "I cannot say that I am. People travel, I understand," she continued, "in order to enjoy themselves; but if you can enjoy