The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-10-22
SAVED BY AN APE.

Why stopped In Panama on my
return from my trip to South America
is mystery. The quaint Spanish
fashion OF the old city interested me.
and found it difficult to tear myself
away. When was ready to leave
my brief sojourn In the country had
inspired me with so much confidence
that eagerly embraced the sugges-
ton of my landlord to cross the
isthmus on horseback.
Take it leisurely." he said; 'fol-
low the old road. 1t touches various
points along the canal. You can
make the journey in u couple OF days
and you will not mind spending n
night in one OF DeLesseps villages"
Now the canal was pet hobby OF
mine. was anxious to see how it
was progressing. Besides had
friend who was one of the contractors.
and wanted to pay him 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 a mile.
Here saw q scene not to be matched
anywhere on earth. Enormous ma
chimes were ut work excavating thou
ands OF tons OF dirt and countless
wagons were employed removing the
loose earth. Myriads of workmen
swarmed everywhere jabbering to
each other in all the tongues of tho
known world. Among them were
men from all the countries of the
world-AmerIcans Africans China
men. West Indians and 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 was
about and from him learned that l
would find jackson about five miles
further on.
Are you armedp' asked the con-
tractor.
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 cut threats 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 de-
termined. businesslike look. / put
spurs to my mustang and ambled
through the motley gang of laborers
until had the satisfaction OF leaving
them behind me. Fortunately l en-
countered no obstacle. and Jackson's
camp was made Just in time for din
ner. -
Here I was safe. jackson was
big fellow. whose men were nearly all
Americans. He was delighted to see
mo and gave me capital dinner.
During the two hours that l spent
with him / 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 conviction
that the enterprise would drag along
for years but as he was making
bushels of money tho delay played
into his hands, AS declined to stay
al hlB hb Win hiui, OoShoOh SaNo LILO
some directions about my route. and
at my departure confided to me pack
age containing ten thousand dollars.
asking me 10 deposit it for him in one
OF the banks at Aspinwall. sug-
gested that there was danger in car
rying such sum OF money through
the country. but the stalwart fellow
laughed at my fear. He said that
would make the hacienda OF Don
Francisco Mendez at nightfalL whore
would be royalty entertained. BY
daylight he thought could take care
OF myself
sWhile this was going on saw two
brutal looking Mexicans at a short
distance watching us intently and
comforting together in low tones
Il don't like the looks OF those ras-
calls" said.
Hello there! Pedro and you.
Juan" shouted Jackson. Get to
work you lazy beggarsg'
The Mexicans growled and sullenly
retired.
They are two OF tho worst men In
camp1 said jackson. .'but they are
not likely to bother you"
had my doubts; but the prospect
OF staying all night with Mendez
somewhat roassured me. and started
of in very good spirits My road
took nae through scene OF bewilder-
ing beauty. The tropical foliage
round me FILTERED with all the hues
OF the rainbow. Unknown flowers OF
gorgeous magnificence and overpow-
ering fragrance frightened the road
side.
Suddenly came upon a pond OF
clear water In an open space. Hot
dusty and travel worn. could not re-
sist the temptation. Without count
ing the consequences / fastened the
mustang to n sapling and undrsssed
in hurry. placing my revolver un-
der my clothes on tho edge OF the
water. Then plunged In and en-
joycd.a refreshing swim.
Ono thing annoyed mo. All along
tho way mot with monkeys every