32 
CALIFORNIA ILLUSTRATED. 
I ever realized the companionship of a horse, it was on this 
occasion; and I believe it was reciprocal, for when I would 
speak to him, he would neigh, and seem to say, “ I love you, 
too.” 
In the middle of the night I was attracted by the barking of 
a monkey, which very much resembled that of a dog. This 
called to mind home, and caused many a bright fancy to flit 
through my imagination. I was soon, however, drawn from 
my reverie by the low muttering of distant thunder, portending 
an approaching deluge, which, in this climate, invariably fol¬ 
lows. It grew near, and was accompanied by the most vivid 
flashes of lightning. This revealed to me my situation. I was 
on the side of the mountain, at the base of an almost perpen¬ 
dicular elevation, which was furrowed by deep gullies, giving 
fearful token of approaching devastation. Yery near was a 
gigantic palm-tree, the earth on the lower side of which appeared 
to have been protected by it. I removed my saddle and blanket, 
and my horse, asking to accompany me, was tied near. The 
lightning grew more vivid, and the thunder, as peal succeeded 
peal, caused the very mountains to quake. The clouds, coming 
in contact with the peaks, instantaneously discharged the deluge, 
which, rushing down, carried devastation in its track. The 
sight was most terrific. By the incessant flashes I could see the 
torrents rushing down, chafing, foaming, and lashing the sides 
of the mountains, as if the furies were trying to vie with each 
other in madness. In an hour the rage of the elements had 
ceased, the thunder muttering a last adieu, fell back to his hid¬ 
ing place, and again all was still. My blanket had protected 
me from the rain; and if I am ever on a committee to award 
premiums for valuable inventions, Mr. Goodyear will be at the 
head of my list. I slept until morning, when I had an oppor¬ 
tunity of viewing the devastation of the night. I mounted, and 
at 10 o’clock arrived at Panama. 
