"I'd rather eat less at a time, and have my meals more regularly," Teddy said with a laugh, as he made an attack upon a pile of mangoes.

Then c.u.mmings began to discuss with Poyor the best course to pursue while journeying to the coast, and the others listened in silence, for upon the decision arrived at might depend all their chances of ever reaching home again.

CHAPTER XXIX.

A FIERCE CONFLICT.

That Poyor believed the more serious danger was over, the boys understood from the fact that camp-fires were to be kept burning during the night, something which would never have been allowed had he feared an attack from the Chan Santa Cruz.

Then again, the Indian no longer refused to converse lest the duty of the sentinel should be neglected; but talked readily and at considerable length with c.u.mmings regarding the course to be pursued.

He also indulged in the luxury of a smoke, something he had not done since leaving the white man's hut, and, taking their cue from him, the remainder of the party gave themselves up to absolute repose both of body and mind, therefore because of these reasons if for no other, this particular halting place was afterward remembered as the most pleasant they knew during the long, fruitless journey.

When c.u.mmings and Poyor finally decided upon the line of march for the following day, the twilight was rapidly deepening into the gloom of night, and the latter lighted the fires, thus making a circle of flame completely around the party.

"Is it really necessary to have such a blaze, or are you indulging in it simply because it has been so long since we dared allow our whereabouts to be known?" Teddy asked, as he sat with his chin on his knees gazing at the burning wood.

"We are guarding against brute enemies. It is said that jaguars are plenty in this section, and there can be no question but snakes abound.

These embers, which require only labor to keep alive, will do very much toward saving our small stock of ammunition."

Jake did not appear disposed to join in any conversation since dinner.

He had thrown himself on the ground near the foot of a gigantic tree, and, from the expression on his face, Neal fancied he was regretting that they had not succeeded in bringing away any treasure from the Silver City.

"What are you thinking of?" he asked.

"Only figgerin' out what a 'royal excursion this would 'a been if I'd got that image I tried so hard for."

"If you had succeeded in carrying it outside the city we should not be here now," c.u.mmings said gravely. "With that lump of silver added to our load I fancy we would be prisoners at this moment if they allowed us to live so long."

"I reckoned you'd take the disappointment harder, after spendin' so much time gettin' ready for the trip."

"Of what use would it be for me to complain? In view of all that has happened we have been remarkably fortunate in getting away alive, and consequently there is very much to be thankful for."

"Do you think that if I'd obeyed orders right up to the handle anything more could have been done?"

"Not in the matter of carrying away treasure, for all hope fled the moment our boat was discovered. You simply caused us additional hardships, and have put an end to my visiting the place again for many months."

"What?" Teddy cried in surprise. "Are you still thinking of entering the city again?"

"I am, most certainly. It shall be my life work to discover the history of these people, and tell to the world the meaning of the inscriptions on the monuments of Copan. This failure has simply been a misfortune, not anything which will prevent my continuing the labor."

"Do you count on asking others to go with you?"

"No," c.u.mmings replied, with a meaning glance toward Jake. "If I ever succeed the honor will be divided among Poyor and myself alone."

Then, as on the day when he first broached the subject, he reviewed all that is known to the white race concerning the buried cities of Central America and of the descendants of that mighty race of people whose once high state of civilization cannot be questioned. When he concluded Jake indulged in but one remark before composing himself for slumber:

"It don't make any difference to me whether the inscriptions can ever be read or not; but a fellow feels sore to think that he had a chance of scoopin' in enough to set himself up in great shape, an' was prevented when the precious metal was under his very fingers."

"Have you any particular reason for going to Progresso?" Neal asked after a pause.

"I have most decidedly. Since getting you in a sc.r.a.pe which nearly cost your lives, it is only right I should see you homeward bound."

"Couldn't we find our way alone?"

"That would be impossible even for me. Poyor is the only guide, and when he has done his work you sail on the steamer, while he and I return to the little hut, there to wait for another opportunity of getting inside the Silver City."

After this c.u.mmings appeared disinclined to talk any more, and the boys lay down near Jake for the slumber which both needed so badly.

Although their eyelids were heavy with sleep, it was not possible to lose consciousness immediately. Now their safety was in a measure a.s.sured, the thoughts of c.u.mmings' great disappointment, and the lost opportunity of making themselves famous, came to mind more forcibly than ever before, causing both to remain awake after all save Poyor were breathing heavily.

"This won't do," Teddy said half to himself. "The mysteries of the Silver City are not to be solved by us, and the sooner we go to sleep the better condition we shall be in for to-morrow's tramp."

Before Neal could reply the Indian stole softly toward them and whispered:

"If you would see the father of serpents, sit up and look toward the spring; but make no noise."

The boys did as they were directed and could distinguish by the glare of the camp-fires the largest snake either had ever seen.

It was a boa, moving lazily toward the water course as if conscious that its own wonderful strength was sufficient to enable it to cope successfully with all enemies.

Before it was possible to form any estimate as to the serpent's size another stranger appeared on the scene, causing Poyor to raise his gun ready to shoot.

This visitor was a jaguar, who had evidently come out for a drink, and the unusual light prevented him from seeing the boa. He moved warily forward, ready to meet an attack, and probably trying to make up his mind whether or not this was a favorable opportunity to get a particularly good supper, when the boa darted upon him.

Taken by surprise from the rear, the snake had one complete turn around the animal's body before there was any show of resistance, and then ensued a most thrilling conflict.

The boys could see that the boa's tail was fastened firmly around a tree, thus giving him a purchase such as the jaguar would have difficulty in overcoming.

Using both claws and teeth the animal defended himself bravely for ten minutes, and then it could be seen that the rapidly tightening folds of the serpent were hampering his movements. He no longer struggled so desperately; but uttered shrill cries of alarm which were responded to from a distance.

"His mate is coming," Poyor whispered. "Now we shall see a royal battle."

It was as he had said. A few moments later another jaguar appeared, and the boys could understand that the boa was making haste to crush the first victim before meeting the second enemy.

It was possible to see the muscles of the serpents' tail stand out as the pressure was increased, and then could be plainly heard the breaking bones while the victim uttered wild screams of agony.

The female jaguar had but just come into view when her mate was killed, and she darted at the serpent with a yell of rage which was answered by an angry hiss.

Whether the boa was taken at a disadvantage in the beginning of the fight, or had become so weary with its previous exertions as to render it incapable of putting forth all its powers could not be told; but certain it is that the second battle was short.

The beast caught it by the neck at the third attempt, and the lashing of the monster's tail told that he was beaten.

"He killed one jaguar easily; but this last beast will soon finish him,"