Page:Here and there in Yucatan - miscellanies (IA herethereinyucat00lepl 0).djvu/73

 largest species. There was not a square inch to spare.

The cabin was occupied by live turtles, they being considered the most valuable passengers: these unfortunate creatures were on their backs, their flaps sown together. They evidently suffered, stretching their necks to gasp for breath, making most dismal sounds in the vain endeavor to fill their lungs, and drawing their heads back into their shells at the approach of any one. To keep them alive water was dashed over them once a day, which favor they did not seem to appreciate as much as they might have done had the water been thrown on their backs.

We more than suspected that there was a considerable amount of "contraband" on board; were also well aware that the coast-guard was cruising about on the look-out for just such vessels as the Triunfo; consequently the grim face of the captain did not often relax into a smile. He betrayed his anxiety by asking for the loan of our field-glasses very frequently, rather to our annoyance, for there was much that interested us to be seen on the coast. In return for the use of the glass Antonio gave us some information. Among other things he said that all along the coast there is a fine variety of excellent shellfish;