Judge Of My
Surprise When I Found That The Water Ran Out Of A Grotto, Or Cavern,
In The Face Of The Cliff-Out Of The Unknown Darkness Into The
Sunlight!
Walking up the bed of the stream, I entered the cave, and,
striking a few matches, found it to be inhabited by hundreds of
vampire bats, which were hanging from the sides and stalactites of
the roof, like so many damp, black rags.
On my entrance the unearthly
creatures were disturbed, and many came flying in my face, so I made
a quick exit. Several which I killed came floating down the stream
with me; one that I measured proved to be twenty-two inches across
the wings. My exploration had discovered the secret of the clots of
blood we had been finding on the horses' necks every morning. The
vampire-bats, in their nightly flights, had been sucking the life-
blood of our poor, already starving animals! It is said these
loathsome creatures - half beast, half bird - fan their victim to sleep
while they drain out the red blood. Provided with palm torches, I
again entered the cavern, but could not penetrate its depths; it
seemed to go right into the bowels of the mountain. Exploring down
stream was more successful, for large flamingoes and wild ducks and
geese were found in plenty.
That night I carefully staked out the horses all around the camp-fire
and lay down to think and sleep and dream. Old Stabbed Arm had not
returned, and I was alone with nature.
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