"Why not?"

"Because in some of these caverns alligators are found, and it is never safe to drink from the running water without first making sure that there are no saurian guards about."

c.u.mmings went to the entrance for more wood, and when he returned the Indian was with him.

"This will cure the wound on your face," the latter said to Jake as he held out a branch covered with small, glossy green leaves. "Take off the cloth that I may see it."

While Jake obeyed, c.u.mmings was kindling a fresh torch, and as the light fell upon the engineer's cheek both the boys uttered exclamations of surprise.

It was certainly a terrible looking wound, the dried blood causing it to appear even larger than it really was; but Poyor set about dressing it with the utmost indifference, perhaps because he thought Jake deserved it for having been so stubborn and criminally foolish.

The Indian chewed the leaves to a pulp, and then spread them thickly on the wound, after which c.u.mmings replaced the cloth, and Jake declared that the pain had subsided instantly.

"I must remember the name of that plant if it can be found in a dried state at home," he said, "and there are many times when such a poultice would come in mighty handy."

"He has only bound on leaves from a shrub called guaco; but you needn't try to remember the name, for they are efficacious only while green. Now that the surgeon's duties have been performed we will get some water, and then set about cooking breakfast. Poyor, bring in plenty of wood, and then try to find another toh."

At the swiftly running stream nothing resembling an alligator was seen, and the white members of the party enjoyed to the utmost copious draughts of the ice-cold liquid.

Meanwhile the Indian was rapidly obeying c.u.mmings' orders. He built a fire near the water, and by the light which the white stones reflected in every direction, had but little difficulty in knocking over three more of what Teddy persisted in calling "chickens."

Leaving the cave again he soon returned with a lot of clay which he pasted over the tohs without removing the feathers or intestines, and thus prepared one would have supposed they were nothing more than so many b.a.l.l.s of mud.

These he put into the fire, piled the wood over and around them, and then sat down to wait for the fruits of his labor.

The boys fell asleep before the fowls were cooked: but after a little more than an hour c.u.mmings awakened them to get their share of the feast.

The now thoroughly baked clay was broken open, and it was found that the feathers and skin of the birds had adhered to the covering, leaving the white flesh temptingly exposed.

Among the small amount of stores there was salt sufficient for several days' consumption, therefore they were not without seasoning for the meat, and Jake, Neal and Teddy were quite positive they had never eaten anything half so delicious as this odd chicken baked in a most singular manner.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CAVE LIFE.

When the meal was ended it was nearly daylight and c.u.mmings said as he stretched himself out close by the entrance:

"It is necessary that the strictest kind of a watch should be kept every moment of the time from now on. I'll take the first trick, Jake shall be awakened next, and Poyor, who has done the most work, comes last."

"But what are Teddy and I to do?" Neal asked in surprise. "We are as well able to stand guard as any one else."

"I allowed that it would be at least twenty-four hours before you were in condition for anything," c.u.mmings replied with a laugh.

"That is where you made a big mistake," Teddy added. "We insist on doing our full share."

"Very well, if Poyor is asleep when Jake goes off duty one of you shall be called."

It was arranged that they should sleep near the entrance where the sentinel could awaken them if necessary, without making a noise, and after the weapons were examined once more to make certain they were in good working order, all save c.u.mmings made a business of going to sleep.

The Indian did not give any one an opportunity of awakening him. At the expiration of an hour, just as c.u.mmings was thinking it time to call Jake, he arose and peered cautiously out through the opening.

"Why did you get up so soon?" c.u.mmings asked. "You need rest, and there is nothing to prevent your sleeping until noon if you feel so disposed."

"There is much work to be done," he replied gravely. "When the sun rises I must examine the trail to make sure it is not too plain."

"It will be another hour before daylight."

"By sitting here I shall be ready to go as soon as it is light."

"I do not think you are giving me the true reason," and c.u.mmings ignited a match that he might see the Indian's face.

"You must not do that," he said quickly, as he clasped his hand over the tiny flame. "It is unwise so near the entrance."

"You believe then that we are in considerable danger?"

"We shall be until we are outside the Chan Santa Cruz country."

"That is not all you can say. I wish to know exactly your opinion of the situation."

"You shall know; but it is not well to explain to the others. Our enemies will find us I think, and we may be forced to fight to the end, for they will not give up the chase until after many days."

"Do you think it would be unsafe to push on again now we have had rest and food?"

"By this time the sentinels know what happened last night, and the forest is full of enemies. A poisoned arrow can be sent in the daytime, while he who shoots it remains concealed. Before noon we would all be dead."

c.u.mmings was silent for a moment, and then he asked in a low tone:

"How far do you think we are from the sea-sh.o.r.e?"

"The distance is not great; but the way so difficult that the journey could not be ended in less than five days."

"Then it seems that we are in a tight place whatever course is pursued."

"We can fight longer here than where the trees conceal our foes," was the grave reply, and then Poyor crept through the opening into the gloomy forest where wild animals and wilder human beings lurked to destroy.

After this conversation c.u.mmings was in no mood for sleep, and he refrained from awakening Jake.

Seated where he could hear the slightest sound from the outside, he reflected upon all the dangers of the situation, and reproached himself for having led the boys and the engineer into such peril.

"I would have been culpable if no one but Poyor had accompanied me," he said to himself, "and now I am directly responsible for the lives of those who but for me, would at this moment be safe in Merida."

There was nothing to be gained by scolding one's self, and he strove with very poor success to put such thoughts from his mind until the sun rose, partially lighting up the gloomy recesses of the forest, and sending tiny rays of light through the narrow aperture.

The three sleepers breathed regularly and noisily; but the sentinel disturbed them not.