RUINS OF SABACHSHE. 



41 



graciously granted, and, by his direction, three or 

 four Indians swung their Httle hammocks under the * 

 arbour, to be at hand in case we should need any- 

 thing. During the night we found it extremely cold, 

 and, with the little covering we had brought, could 

 hardly keep ourselves comfortable. 



Early in the morning we found a large gather- 

 ing round the house to escort us to the ruins. In 

 the suburbs of the rancho we turned off to the left, 

 and passed among the huts of the Indians, almost 

 smothered by weeds, and having at the doors rude 

 boxes of earth set up on posts, for vegetables to 

 grow in out of the reach of the hogs. 



Crossing the fence of the last hut, we entered a 

 thick growth of trees. As if instinctively, every In- 

 dian drew his machete, and in a few minutes they 

 cut a path to the foot of a small building, not rich 

 in ornament, but tasteful, having some shades of dif- 

 ference from any we had seen, overgrown by trees, 

 and beautifully picturesque. On one corner of the 

 roof a vulture had built her nest, and, scared away 

 at our approach, hovered over our heads, looking 

 down upon us as if amazed. We gave directions, 

 all the Indians fell to work, and in a few minutes 

 the small terrace in front was cleared. I had not 

 expected so many Indians, and, not knowing what 

 occasion I might have for their services, told them 

 that I did not need so great a number, and should 

 only pay those whom I had engaged. All stopped, 

 and when the purport of my words was explained 



Vol. IL— F 



