Page:Neuroomia.djvu/215

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I ENJOY A PROLONGED HOLIDAY.
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lora, "that so many visitors every season come to Scalascala. The wonder is that they have not built homes in this sublime locality."

"The people of Orangala, generations ago," she answered, "decided that no buildings of any kind should be erected near the Poroporia Valley, for they justly considered that the work of man was incapable of adding to its loveliness. They were pleased with it as left by nature, and we of the present day share their opinions."

We again mounted our flanillas, and proceeded for some distance along the edge, in order to find some spot suitable for a temporary camping-ground for ourselves and the animals. This we soon discovered in the shape of a small, grassy pasture overlooking the valley beneath. Here, however, a crowd had already halted, and were enjoying themselves. I at once recognised some of my Dorondoro friends among them.

Having dismounted, and released the animals from their burdens, we joined the excursionists, and I met Yeyema, Hitomlik, Delemia, Yondozi, Vandalia, and her mother and younger sister. I spoke a few words to them all, and was in the act of passing over to some one in the crowd, when I almost hit up against Alvarez, who was walking in