The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-29
ROUTED BY HUMMlNG BIRDS.
interesting Account of n Remarkable
Attack by Little Feathered Furfes.

To acknowledge defeat is .humiliating
even when ones antagonist IS in every way
ones superior In strength and sa gacity, but
10 be beaten by an insignificant foe and
forced to retreat ignominiously is doubly
notifying, yet such was the writer's ex-
rerience a few years since, and when he adj
mits that the belligerent party belonged not
only TO the feathered race, but of all the
winged tribes was the smallest and fraiIest
words fail to express the degree of shame
that overwhelms him, even at this late day:
however, a full confession is the best salve
for wounded pride. therefore. he has decided
10 make a clean breast of it.
It was during the writer's stay in Guate-
rnala that the circumstance occurred which
forms the subject of this sketch. Wander
ing one day along the banks of the beautiful
Rio Dulce sketching a bit here and there.
as inclination prompted, arrived at a. point
where the dense tropical growth crowded
down to the waters edge. barring further
progress in that direction. The foot path
here turned to the right and was soon lost
in the deep gloom Of the forest. Curious to
know where the trail might lead followed
for soma distance through the jungle, which
closed above like the arched roof of a. tun-
mel The trees were overgrown with vines
and creepers. which fell in folds like vast
green curtain that swayed gently in the
breeze So closely woven was this verdant
mantle that one could see but a few feet in
any direction. From the bosky depths came
q medley of strange sounds; green parrots
were muttering in low tones. as though dis
cussing some weighty subject pertaining to
the family or state. Occasionally the dis
c0rdant screams of a pair of macaws
echoed through the solitude, while from the
Temoter distance came the unmistakable
howl Of the black monkey, known as the
Congo" After a walk of half a mile or
such q matter, the path came to an end at
tie edge Of a large clearing, in which l dis
covered an extensive banana plantation or
walk, as the natives term it. The stalks
grew to height of eighteen or twenty feet
Their broad leaves meeting overhead
formed long shady avenues between the
rows. The effect was charming. Here and
there a patch of sunlight filtered through,
Illuminating bit of messy ground where
the dew still sparkled, although it was al
most noon Finding a convenient log, L sat
down to rest and enjoy the novel scene but
the opportunity for recreation proved brief;
] was only fairly seated when my atten-
ton was attracted by a strange sound, low
but distinct, like the buzzing of a distant
saw or rotary plane. An instant later
bright flash passed before my eyes, followed
in a second by another this time accom-
panied by a spiteful little scream, and so
close that 1 lodged involuntarily. Mean
While the quaint humnng sound increased
10 duh roar. like the whirring of a thou
sand spndles in a great factory. The air
trembled with the beating of myriad wings,
and every instant my cheek was famed by
the close proximity of the little creatures,
that seemed, to my excited imagination
like so many golden arrows aimed at my de-
voted head; they darted here and there with
the swiftness of thought. Unwittingly, /. had
invaded colony of humming birds, and
they resented the intrusion with all the ar
dor of their impetuous natures To say I
surprised by this sudden onslaught
hardly expresses the feeling; l was aston
ished and piqued also. Think of it, a great
monster like myself to be set upon by
scolding bird wife! l would not endure it,
so, hastily piucking a handful of long grass,
! rushed to the fray. beating the air wildly
like boy fighting humble bees in a north
ern bayfield,. but this only aggravated the
little warriors and they came on with
doubled fury, in twos. and threes, and
fours, driving directly. at my face with in
conceivable force. Now, by bold DASH my
main column was driven back, now my right
and now my left flank was charged, while
a detachment fell on my rear, routing my
reserves whistling through the air like
darts and kissing their contempt in my ears,
which fairly stung, not altogether from the
bitterness OF their satire, but from the blows
of their tiny wings and the sharp rebuke of
countless needle-iike bills The little army
was being reinforced every moment and l
imagined l could distinguish the voice of the
commander urging them with ringing
cheer, Down with the tyrant; no. quarter
for invaders; onward to victory or glorious
death"
Verify, more Jealous patriots never took
up arms in defense of home and family.
They withdrew for a brief space, but it was
only to marshal their forces for grand
charge. Now they came with a wild rush,
their uniforms of gold and scarlet glistening
in the sunlight, each little soldier like a
winged gem, but there was little time to adj
mire the elegance of their costumes. Their
Sharpened lances cleaned ftfully; in a mo-
pre-: ense of defense, wildly fourishing my
bundles of grass, striking bllndly in every
Girection-but these frantic efforts were all
IN Naln On they came, from all SIDES at
once; my outposts were passed, my guards
overcome. They swept everything before.
them. Never was beleaguered city more
completely at the mercy of the enemy-but
mercy is a quality unknown to these dough-
~ though diminutive champions of liberty
They drove at my eyes with the fury of de-
mons; sharp stroke on the cheek, a vicious
cut on one lip, followed by a savage thrust
On my neck, and-I blush even now to re-
cord it-but the fact can no longer be con-
ceaed, my command was utterly democrat
led fairly put to rout. ] tried to retreat in
good order, but soon became confused. 1t
was undignited, but the best disciplined
army may become panic stricken. Must
confess it? l threw down my weapons and
fled, leaving the field, with its spoils, in the
hands of the foe. 1t was humiliating, but,
from purely utilitariaE point of view, it
was good business move.
l was told afterward by the owner of the
walk that quite a large area remained
uncut" the Indians positively refusing to
expose their bare limbs TO the fury of the
fiery little coonists He also informed me
that their presence in such numbers
accounted for by the proximity of a grove
OF wild orange trees as they are particular
~ fond of the blossoms, and have been
known to investigate the fruit itself when
July matured So deeply interested did
become in these bold defenders of their ter
rtorlal rights that / determined to pay an
other visit to the orchard, but taking care
not to approach too closely. Accordingly,
the very next day, equipped with ham,
mock and light umbrella, i took my way
TO the clearing. resolved 10 learn what
could of the habits OF my intrepid ASSISTANTS
from a safe distance. Advancing cautious
~, l swung the hammock in a comfortable
position under the spreading branches OF
towering Ceiba tree, just at the edge of the
grove, where l might watch their move
ments without exciting suspicion. However,
the war spirit still ran high and few lively
sallies We're made, but, finding no resistance,
the hostile feeling soon subsidized, and after
q few hours it seemed fully understo that
my mission was altogether peaceful, and be-