Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/180

156 themselves with clubs and sticks of a still larger size from the loose wood abounding in the forest. With these weapons they once more approached the rocky projection still keeping a respectful distance from the entrance and began to beat upon the stones on the surface, with the intention of frightening the serpent from his hiding-place. They ran to and fro screeching, making the wood resound with their blows; threw stones into the mouth of the hole; but all would not do: the more energetic the means adopted, the firmer seemed the resolve of the besieged to remain in garrison.

At length, with a degree of sagacity almost incredible in "the inferior animals," but not by any means remarkable in monkeys, their tactics underwent a change. A monkey of large size and peculiarly knowing physiognomy, separated himself from his companions, and placed his body in an unconscious and inviting manner in front of the hollow, at the space of a few yards from the entrance. His comrades meanwhile retreated to a little distance, and awaited the issue of the manœuvre which was to tempt their adversary from his quarters. The position of the