The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15
An ADVENTURE WIN THE TERRIBLE NOYULLOS OF YUCAT

shaped fruit, with an agreeable acid
flavor, OF which I ate freely.
I had scarcely finished my supper.
when ! found myself unable to keep my
eyes open. After giving Vasauez some
directions as to our movements for the
morrow, in very drowsy voice, l rolled
myself in my blanket and fell asleep at
once. stupidity wondering, as 1 sank into
unconsciousness, why he should have
smiled so strangely at my words
1 awoke with a sensation of pain
somewhere about me. My brain felt
heavy and benumbed. as if were re-
covering from the effects of an opiate.
Gradually. as my perceptions grew
clearer. l could locate the sense OF pain
in my wrists and ankles. Endeavoring
to raise my right hand. I found that it
was immovable. My left hand and both
feet were in the same condition. For
some moments ! lay idly specializing on
the cause of my helplessness. Had 1
been striC:-en with paralysis? The
thought sent a sharp thrill through my
dulIed nerves, and with shock of ter
ror which swept the last traces of fog
from my mind. 1 struggled to sit up.
Failing Of that. I twisted my head
around so as to obtain a view OF my
body. Then. to my inexpressibIe in
dignation. saw that I was firmly bound
with dozen coils OF the bohuco vine.
which is as tough and as flexible as
hemp rope.
Who had dared put this indignity upon
me? I writhod and strained, until the
agony caused by the vine cutting into
the flesh Of my wrists compelled me 70
desist, I remained silent and motion
less for a time.
The pale. rosy hues OF early dawn
changed TO silver. The last shadows Of
retreating night grew dim. and mingling
with the mists curling beneath the over
hanging boughs of the forest trees.
faded insensibly away, like spirits Of
the dark. banished before the glowing
steps Of the coming day. Then. sud-
denly. like a magnificent torch waved
over the face OF the world. the sun rose
above the ruins of Uxmal, flooding the
worn and ancient wreck OF a dead civ
iIization with a wondrous splendor. The
parrots screamed. the monkeys chat
! tered. and the birds trilIed their mathis.
as they must have done hundreds Of
years ago. when this shattered remnant
OF a once great people was sonOrous
with life and labor and Joy.
As the full sense of my situation grew
upon me, I shouted aloud for help I
called vasquez. A quiet voice. near at
hand. replied:
Il am here. senor-'
Turning my head toward the side
whence the voice proceeded, beheld my
| guide seated by the FIRE. engaged in
cooking the morning meal. with an air
so deliberate, so natural. so common
place. that felt as if / must have been
( dreaming-must still be dreaming In
voluntarily I attempted TO move. when
the fierce pangs at my wrists and ankles
compelled me to realize the truth.
"Vasquez." l said, what does this
mean? Who tied me in this fashion,"
Il senior" replied the guide, calmly
continuing his operations at the Ere.
/ without even glancing at me.
You" I exclaimed angrily. rs this
come Jest? Are you crazy? Let me free
instantly"
1T is no Jest. senior; am not crazy.
I shall not set you free responded Vas
quez. with the utmost elaboration. still
without glsncing toward me.
/ You scoundreI! Unite me this mo-
ment. l shouted. straining at my bonds
IN the futile effort to get free. till the
veins in my temples seemed about to
burst "Liberate me at once. or you shall
suffer the consequenCes,
Yasquez merely shrugged his Shout
ders. and began calmly eating the food