Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1896-03-11
CHAPTER XII.


One evening after we had left the
forest country and with much toll
climbed the sierra till we reached the
desert beyond, desert that seemed to
be boundless, we set our camp among a
clump of great aloes that grew at the
foot of a stony hill. This hill was
marked on Iibalbay's map as being the
site of an underground reservoir known
as a cueva, whence in the old DAYS.
when this place was inhabited, the In
dams draw their supply of water in the
dry season from deep down in the bow
els of the earth.
That this particular cueva existed
was proved by the fact that the ancient
road, which here was plainly visible.
ran through the ruins OF large town
whereof the population must once have
been supplied by it. but when Zibal-
bay and his daughter slept here on their
downward journey they were spared
the necessity of looking for it by the
discovery Of a rain pool In the hollow
OF a rock. Now, however, no rain hav-
ing fallen for weeks, after we had eaten
and drunk such water as remained in
the water skins. we determined to seek
for the cueva in order 90 refill the skins
and give drink TO the thirsty mules.
Accordingly we began TO examine the
rocky hill, and presently found a stone
archway now nearly filled up with soil
and half hidden By thorn bushes. which
we judged to be the entrance to the
cueva. Having provided ourselves with
torches we liz four Of them. and led
the way through the hole TO find myself
IN cave where great and mysterious
wind blew and sighed in sudden gusts
that almost distinguished our lights.
Following this cave we came to a hole
or shaft at tn. end Of Il, which evil
IDENTIFY led 20 the springs or pools of
water. This shaft Of unknown deDtb
was almost IL not quite as smooth and
perpendicular as though il had been
followed by the hand of man. but the
strangest thing about 10 was the terri
bic stairway that the ancients had used
% approach the water. which consisted
OF double row Of notches. eight or ten
inches in depth. cut in the surface of
the shaft. Up and down these notches
the water carriers must have passed for
generations, for they were much worn
and a groove made by q feet Of men
ran 10 the top Of this awful ladder.
The senior finding a fragment Of rock
let IT fall over the cage Of the pit and
several seconds passed before faint
sound told us that II had touched the
bottom. what a dreadful place." he
said. u think that had rather die Of
thirst than attempt 10 go down It,"
0til' people nave gone down in the
past. answered Maya. "for look. this is
where they stepped oR the edge"
Come away said Zilbalbay. "nonc
81 Us here could take that road and live.
The mules must 20 thirsty; i've hours
journey away there Is a pool where
they can drink tomorrow" Then we
turned and left this cave 81 the wind,
and wcrc glad % be outside Of IL. for
the place had an unhOly look. and. all
the draugnt Notwithstanding, was ho.
TO suffOcation.
Zilbalbay walked 70 the camp. but I
and the others stayed % pluck some
forage FOR the mules Soon they grcvv
weary Of this task and fell totaljsing AZ
they watched the sunset. which vas
very beautiful on these lonely plains.
Presently heard the Lady MAYA saw.
Pick me that flower, friend. TO wear
on my breast" and she pointed 90 a
snow-white cactus bloom that grew
among some rocks.
lie climbed % the place and stretched
out his hand 70 cut the flower, when of
. sudden ] heard him utter an exclapa-
ton and saw him start 0aek.