188 INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



found a pointed-arch roof formed by stones lapping 

 over each other, but was prevented exploring it by- 

 want of light, and the padre's crying to me that it was 

 the season of earthquakes ; and he laughed more than 

 usual at the hurry with which I came out ; but all at 

 once he stopped, and grasping his pantaloons, hopped 

 about, crying, "a snake, a snake." The guide and 

 Bobon hurried to his relief ; and by a simple process, 

 but with great respect, one at work on each side, were 

 in a fair way of securing the intruder ; but the padre 

 could not stand still, and with his agitation and restless- 

 ness tore loose from their hold, and brought to light a 

 large grasshopper. While Bobon and the guide, with- 

 out a smile, restored him, and put each button in its 

 place, we finished with a laugh outrageous to the mem- 

 ory of the departed inhabitants, and to all sentiment 

 connected with the ruins of a great city. 



As we returned to the village the padre pointed out 

 on the plain the direction of four roads, which led, and 

 which, according to him, are still open, to Mexico, Tec- 

 pan Guatimala, Los Altos, and Vera Paz. 



