The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-08-20
Our 0lio.
SAVED BY AN APE.
Frem New York Dispatch.

Why | stopped in Panama on my return
from my trip to South America is mys
terry. The quaint Spanish fashion Of the
old city interested me, and found it diff
cult to tear myself away. When | was
ready to leave my brief soiOurn in the
country had inspired me with so much con
6dence that eagerly embraced the sug
gestion of my landlord to cross the isthmus
on horseback.
''Take it leisurely,' he said; "follow the
old road. 1t touches various points along
the canal. You can make the journey in
a couple of days and you will not mind
spending a night in one of DeLesseps' vii
lagos.
Now the canal was pet hobby of mine
| was anxious to see how it was progress
ing. Besides, | had friend who was one
of the contractors, and | wanted to pay
him a visit.
The next morning | mounted gentle
mustang, furnished by my host, and set
out for Aspinwall, the Atlantic port, where
! Intended to take the steamer. As
wished to reach the camp of my friend
Jackson by midday, | rode rapidly during
the morning.
At one place the road ran along in sight
of the canal for half mile Here | saw
scene not to be matched anywhere on
earth. Enormous machines wefs At work
excayating thousands of tons of dirt, and
countless wagons were employed removing
the loose earth. Myriads of workmen
swqrmed everywhere, jabbering to each
other in all the tongues Of the known
world. Among them were mep FROM all
the countries of the world-Americans,
Africans, Cinnamon, West Indians aud
Malays. The fierce looks cast upon me by
these fellows alarmed me; but pretended
to be calm spectator of the animated
scene. One of the contractors gas about,
and from him learned that would find
Jackson about five miles further on.
Are yog arWed ~ asked the eontrac-
tor
told him that | had revolver,
"You will probably need it before you
reach Aspinwall," said he. "You are
passing through thirty thousand of the
worst eat-throats that were ever collected
together
After hearing that had great mind
to return TO Panama, but the dread Of being
laughed at made ME decide to push on.
Assuming determined, businesslike look,
I ppt spurs to my mustang and ambled
through the motley gang of laborers until
| had the satisfaction Of leaving them be
hind me. Fortunately | encountered no
obstacle, and Jaeksop's camp was made
Just in time for dinner.
Here [ was safe Jackson was IA big
fellow, whose men were nearly all Ameri-
cans. He was delighted to see me and
gave me a capital dinner. During the two
hours that | spent with him l filed him
full of news and he, on the other hand,
told me lot of wonderful things about
the canal, He made no secret Of his con-
viction that the enterprise would drag
along for years, but, as he was making
bushels of money, the delay played into his
hands. As | declined to stay all night
with him, jackson gave me some directions
about my route, and at my departure con-
ided to me package containing ten thou
sand dollars, asking me to deposit it for
him in one of the banks at Aspinwall. !
suggested that there was danger in carry
ing such sum of money through the
country, but the stalwart fellow laughed
at my fears. He said that l would make
the hacienda of Don Francisco Mendez at
nightfall, where would be royalty enter
tanned By daylight he thought l could
take care of myself.
While this was going on | saw two bru
tai looking Mexicans at short distance
watching us intently and comforting togeth
er in low tones.
Il don't like the looks of those rascals, .
/ said.
"Hello, there Pedro, and you, Juan"
shouted jackson. sect to work, you lazy
beggars !"
The Mexicans growled, and sullenly re-
tired.
"They are two of the worst men in