Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/179

Rh This process had been observed with great indignation by the monkeys up in the trees and no sooner had the serpent despatched his breakfast than a sputtering consultation appeared to be held amongst them; it ended in their unanimously descending to the ground at a safe distance from the snake and collecting together as many loose fragments of rock and branches of trees as possible. Armed with these missiles they approached their enemy as nearly as they dared and hurled them with great violence and effect at his head and body; the snake after making an ineffectual attempt to seize upon the foremost, at last turned about quickly and retreated into his hole—a miniature cavern of rock, situated beneath the sleeping apartments of the monkeys.

The outraged community appeared determined to avenge the slaughter of their companion, but knew not how it was to be done. Their enemy seemed retired beyond reach, and with the best will in the world to follow him and brave it out, the attempt to enter his den would be certain destruction. After a renewed debate, and much chattering and leaping about, a few of the leaders armed