The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-08-24

submit to, and, after the fashion of
Northern laborers, struck Here was
"a pretty ow-de-do. The party were
miles from any settlement, and the work
was brought to an abrupt stop. Nothing
could be done, however, but dispatch a
| messenger to the nearest telegraph station,
notify the company, and secure men not
| so sensitive or particular as the former
crew.
Work having come to standstlll the
gentleman in charge and companion
started on surveying trip farther into
the wilds.
Finally, one night about sunset,
the SURVEYORS found themselves near the
foot of a small mountain, or loot nil,
with tropical storm coming on. They
were out of provisions, and had no shelter
tent to protect them, although II they
had possessed one it would have been OF
little value in the face of such storms
as prevail in that latitude. A cover
must be found at all hazards, and the
two men looked in every quarter to see II
some such shelter could be discovered.
All at once one of the two men observed
an opening like the entrance to small
cave, and further investigation showed
that the place was, or had been, used for
a habitation. By this time the vivid
flashes of lightning, the heavy roll of
thunder, and the pattering of the great
drops, betokened the coming tempest.
There was no time for hesitation, and the
men entered the cave. AS soon as their
eyes became accustomed to the dim light a
strange scene greeted them. AT the further
end, which appeared to have been board
ed with rough timbers, where there were
gaps in the outer wall of the cave, few
smouldering embers showed where small
fire was kept up, to drive off the damp
ness. Coarse PUSHES or plants of some
description, were strewn on the hard
earthern floor. An old wooden table and
two broken chairs constituted the fur
nishing, and over piece OF board that
served as mantel some branches were
INTERVIEWED. forming frame that con-
tanned the only evidences OF refinement,
or even civilization, in the shape OF two
or three cabinet photographs. On one side
of the cave was stretched low coarse
pallet, strewn with boughs, on which was
sleeping man dressed in the regulation
Mexican costume, laced jacket, broad
sash, velveteen trousers, and grass
mocassins. His great hat had fallen by
his side, and his repeating rifle stood
resting against the wall close at hand. In
the dim light it was impossible to make
out his appearance accurately, but as a
precaution in case he should awake sud
denly and do them an injury, the visitors
removed the gun to a safe distance and
awaited developments.
| They had not long to wait. All at once
vivid flash of lightning lighted up the
room, tremendous peal OF thunder
shook the cave, and downpour of rain
turned the little ravine in front into a
raging torrent. The Mexican sprang to
his feet, before the vibration of the thun-
der ceased, and instinctively put out his
hand for the rifle. Then the strangers
stepped forward apologized for their
presence and explained that they were
compelled to take refuge from the storm.
With true Spanish politeness the Mexican
replied that all that was in his house was
at their disposition and while his man
ner was not only not cordial, and if any
thing rather surly, he nevertheless be-
stirred himself to do something for their
comfort Fresh branches were heaped
on the fire, and the regulation tortillas
and frijoles prepared for the guests
supper. While the host was cooking the
meal good opportunity was obtained to
see what he was like in the glare of the
! freight He was man Of perhaps forty
years of age, of good height excellently
proportioned figure, and what was ex-
tremely curious, light haired and blonde,
of really classic features, looking much
more like an Anglo Saxon than Mexl-
can. but he moved about with all the
lissone grace of the Spaniard rather than
with the heavier movements of the
American.
After the simple supper had been eaten
the visitors drew their host into CONVEX
sation, but he said nothing of himself,
nor would it have done to have asked
curious questions. His conversation
showed man Of intelligence. his man
ners were excellent. Walking around the
room how ever the chief engineer motto sd
in the welcome freight that now warmed
the squalid apartment and frightened 1t
up SO as to bring it's features out dis
tinctly, that one of the photographs over
the rude mantel was that OF a young
woman of great attractiveness. "A beau
tiful face, he said; "pardon me, Slgnor,
but it is "a wild country in which to find
SO intelligent lady. sit is the picture
of my daughter" sententiouslyl replied
the Mexican, with manner that evil
IDENTIFY precluded all hope of learning
more.
Early hours obtain in the forest
primeval, and shortly after the rude mea
was swallowed the visitors were quickly
wrapped in slumber, or apparently So
IA Y%1g