Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/181

Rh seemed a perilous one; but, despite his apparent unconcern, he kept a sharp eye upon the den, and was ready to make a nimble retreat when his purpose should be effected. In this posture all parties remained for some time; the monkeys maintaining a profound silence, and the hissing noise being kept up incessantly within the cave—yet no forked tongue or shining eyes could be tempted to reveal themselves. Then the venturous animal rose from his unassuming attitude and came yet nearer to the hollow, shrieking and leaping this time, to attract the attention of the recluse; the hissing continued, but still the retired monster kept close within his lair.

The determination of the invaders, nevertheless, appeared only more excited by their want of success; and to draw out the despoiler from his den, with safety to themselves, was a task well suited to their meddlesome and vivacious dispositions; so, as a last resource, they summoned their whole forces—claiming the assistance of their friends and neighbours, who had by this time assembled from all quarters—to eject him in the most summary manner. They nimbly, but with the utmost