Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/48

Rh considerable persuasion the female was induced to move, and in a short time two fine fowls and some eggs were produced. The servants lighted a fire, and after roasting the fowls and preparing the eggs with the addition of chocolate, we threw ourselves on the ground, and by the light of the fire ate a hearty supper. Soon after this most of the party were soundly sleeping.

Notwithstanding the excessive fatigue of the day's ride, I could not rest. During the whole of the night, some thousands of monkeys that inhabit the woods around Mico kept up a loud and discordant yell, any thing but grateful to the ear; while the light of the fire glared only upon three or four wild figures, gliding from one part of the hut to another, and appearing at such an hour and by such a light more like demons than men.

These Indians are a scattered portion of the aborigines of the country, and their original character and condition does not appear to have been much improved. Generally speaking they have the character of being trusty and harmless, and excepting when under the influence of intoxicating liquors display considerable mildness. As messengers they are very faithful, finding their way through bushes and thickets before untrodden, with a degree of instinct which is truly surprising. They subsist solely on maize, and drink little besides water, unless it be a kind of spirit called