VISIT TO AN EXTRAORDINARY CAVE. 145 



returned to the casa real. In a room fifty feet long, 

 free from fleas, servants, and Indian carriers, and 

 v^itli a full swing for our hammocks, we had a hap- 

 py change from the hut at Chunhuhu. 



During the evening the cura came over to see us, 

 but, finding we had retired, did not disturb us ; early 

 in the morning he was rapping at our door, and 

 would not leave us till we promised to come over 

 and take chocolate with him. 



As we crossed the plaza he came out to meet us, 

 in black gown and cape, bare-headed, with white 

 hair streaming, and both arms extended; embraced 

 us all, and, with the tone of a man who considered 

 that he had not been treated well, reproached us for 

 not coming directly to the convent; then led us in, 

 showed us its comforts and conveniences, insisted 

 upon sending for our luggage, and only consented 

 to postpone doing so while we consulted on our 

 plans. 



These were, to leave Bolonchen in the afternoon 

 for the ruins of San Antonio, four leagues distant. 

 The cura had never heard of such ruins, and did 

 not believe that any existed, but he knew the haci- 

 enda, and sent out to procure information. In the 

 mean time it was arranged that we should employ 

 the morning in a visit to the cueva, and return to 

 dine with him. He reminded us that it was Friday, 

 and, consequently, fast day ; but, knowing the pa- 

 dres as we did, we had no apprehension. 



There was one great difficulty in the way of our 

 II 13 



