Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/88



 Cave of Cacahuamilpa — Superstition — Long-bearded goat — Portal —-Vestibule — Fantastic forms — Breakfast — Pine torches — Noble hall — Stalactites and stalagmites — Egyptian pyramids — Double gallery — Wonderful formations — Corridor — Frozen landscape — Amphitheatre — World in chaos — Skeleton — Wax lights — Hall of angels — Return — Distant light — Indian — Alcalde — Cautlamilpas — Rancho — Return to Cocoyotla — Chapel — Meacatlan — Eclipse of the moon — Benighted travellers — Indian village — El Puente — Return to Atlacamulco.

7th.

cave of Cacahuamilpa, whose actual wonders equal the fabled descriptions of the palaces of Genii, was, until lately, known to the Indians alone, or if the Spaniards formerly knew anything about it, its existence was forgotten amongst them. But although in former days it may have been used as a place of worship, a superstitious fear prevented the more modern Indians from exploring its shining recesses, for here it was firmly believed, the evil spirit had his dwelling, and in the form of a goat, with long beard and horns, guarded the entrance of the cavern. The few who ventured there and beheld this apparition, brought back strange tales to their credulous companions, and even the neighborhood of the enchanted cave was avoided, especially at night-fall.

The chain of mountains, into whose bosom it leads,