Page:Here and there in Yucatan - miscellanies (IA herethereinyucat00lepl 0).djvu/45

 direction, the interstices being of a most convenient size to catch heel or toe. From time to time the dogs made off in quest of fancied prey; then losing their way, set up a dismal howling for their master to guide them back with his voice. These dogs, though small, fearlessly chase the boar and hold it at bay till the hunter comes to kill it, which is generally done with a wooden spear.

When we had walked about five miles, and were as tired as if we had been tramping for twenty-four hours on a good road, we asked our guide, who had not once opened his lips, except to whistle to his dogs, if we were near Buena Vista. "Not half way," was the crushing reply. We dared not rest for more than a few minutes, as the forest was cool and damp, and we were profusely perspiring from continual efforts to keep from stumbling. Another mile—the rocky hills getting steeper and steeper. Then we observed that our boots were falling to pieces! The Indian seemed to chuckle inwardly at our misery when he informed us that there was no place to rest at Buena Vista, much less any cobbler to mend our boots. It was evident that, even if we came in sight of the old houses—not worth looking at, in the opinion of our guide—this would be a bootless journey anyhow. Our feet were already