Ernest would have tried his skill again, but I forbade him to disturb the profound tranquillity of this charming region.
But Flora, who probably had not the same taste for the beauties of nature that I had, suddenly darted forward like an arrow, pounced upon a creature that was swimming quietly at the edge of the water, and brought it to us.

It was a most curious animal.

It resembled an otter in form, but was web-footed, had an erect bushy tail like the squirrel, small head, eyes and ears almost invisible.

A long, flat bill, like that of a duck, completed its strange appearance.

We were completely puzzled--even Ernest, the naturalist, could not give its name.