WE UNDERTAKE THE YUCATAN ADVENTURE
“I have learned all of Chaka’s history, as he has learned all of mine,”
continued Allerton, resuming his story. “My friend is a royal prince of
the Itzaex, the one native tribe of Yucatan that defied the Spanish
invaders of the Sixteenth Century and remains unconquered to this day.
This tribe dwells in the vast sierras of Yucatan, near the Great Lake,
and the Atkayma of the Itzaex has the same importance and power as the
Inca of Peru or the Caciques of the Aztecs formerly enjoyed. Chaka is
the eldest son of the ruling atkayma; by this time he may even have
succeeded to the title of atkayma himself, the head of his people, for
his father was an old man when the boy left him. The family of rulers is
a sacred one, said to be descended from the sun, and every one of the
atkayma’s fifty thousand subjects would die for him without hesitation.
“At the time I rescued Chaka he was an adventurous youth who, ignorant
of the name of fear, was leading a band of his people on an expedition
to the seacoast, in search of turtles. In some way he became separated
from his companions and found himself surrounded by a horde of Mopanes,
the hereditary tribal foes of the Itzaex. I am sure the boy rendered a
good account of himself before he was forced to leap into a boat and
scull out to sea, where his sharp eyes had noted our ship approaching.
He had been bred with a horror for the white man, but preferred to take
his chances with us rather than be cut down by the Mopanes.
“When he came to know us, and to understand our advanced civilization,
the youth decided that he preferred it to the wild, crude life of his
own people, and has gladly sacrificed his royal heritage to remain with
me. Our friendship has been very sweet to us both, and we are as
brothers.”
It was good to watch the Maya’s face during this tribute. His pride in
his friend and his devotion to him might easily be read in the tender
and unabashed expression of his handsome brown eyes.
“And now,” said Allerton, “I come to the most important part of my
story. When Chaka learned of the sore straights of my dear mother and
sisters, and found how unhappy the lack of wealth was making us all, he
became brooding and thoughtful, and finally proposed to me a plan which,
if successful, would enable me to redeem the old homestead, provide my
family with every comfort, and give me ample means besides. It is a
bold—even an audacious—conception; but it may be accomplished,
nevertheless, with Chaka’s aid. I have decided to undertake it, and have
been preparing for the expedition for more than a year. The last thing
necessary was my leave of absence, and this you brought to me at
Magdalena with the admiral’s despatches.”
You may guess that by this time Archie, Joe and I were wide-eyed and
open-mouthed with interest in this remarkable story. We could hardly
wait for the lieutenant to explain his references to the adventure on
which he had embarked, and he seemed to appreciate this and did not keep
us waiting.
“The Maya tribes, which had inhabited Yucatan for centuries before the
Spaniards discovered the country,” said he, “were not, after all, the
original inhabitants of the promontory. Ancient ruins of the cities and
temples of the Mayas, equaling in beauty and size any of those erected
by the Aztecs of Mexico, may yet be seen scattered over the land. Their
civilization, customs, laws and literature amazed the early Spaniards
who found them. Yet long before the Mayas came a civilization had
existed in Yucatan greater than any they could ever boast. The legends
of Chaka’s people, the unconquered Itzaex, relate how the country was
first settled by a race from Atlantis, a great island continent which
was later submerged and utterly destroyed by some unusual convulsion of
nature.
“This nation from Atlantis bore the name of Tcha. It settled in the
mountainous regions of Yucatan, covering originally all that territory
now occupied by the Itzaex, the Mopanes and the Kupules, midway between
Campeache and the Mosquito Coast. There they built great cities of white
marble, exquisitely carved, many of the walls bearing hieroglyphics and
picture writings not unlike those of the ancient Egyptians. They were
learned in arts and sciences and had their libraries and colleges. They
worshipped the Sun-God—the original deity of the Atlanteans—and also
Bacáb, a god afterward adopted by the Mayas, who supported the heavens
on his shoulders. The rulers of the Tcha were all chosen from the
priesthood, the highest caste among them, and were male or female, as
the case might be.
“Chaka tells me that when the Mayas came to Yucatan they found all these
cities deserted and falling to ruins. Only skeletons, lying here and
there in the streets, and found in great numbers in the dwellings,
showed that the palatial buildings had ever known inhabitants. There is
a great mystery concerning these deserted cities. Some think a
pestilence fell upon the people and destroyed them; others that a rain
of scorpions depopulated the country. Nothing remained, seemingly, to
tell the fate of this mighty vanished race. The Mayas, being
superstitious, were afraid to occupy the marble cities. They tore down
the walls and used the materials for their own inferior buildings.
Scarce a vestige now remains of the ancient civilization of the Tcha.
Yet, according to Chaka, a remnant of that wonderful people still
exists, in much the same way that it did six thousand years ago; and
strange as it may seem, inhabits a hidden city in the mountains of
Yucatan.”
I had been getting a little weary of the historical lecture; but now I
saw why Allerton had related it. A tribe of Atlanteans six thousand
years old, and living in a hidden city of Yucatan! Yes; we were all
intent enough by this time. It seemed like a fairy romance, yet the
words were uttered with careful deliberation. I glanced at Chaka; the
grave look upon the Maya’s face was ample confirmation that he at least
believed in the truth of this marvelous statement.
“This remnant of the Tcha was never discovered by the Spaniards,”
continued Mr. Allerton, “and even the many tribes of the Mayas remain
to-day ignorant of their presence in Yucatan. It is certain the owners
of the various haciendas dotting the plains at the west and north have
never heard of the hidden city. But the hereditary Atkayma of the Itzaex
has had the knowledge for centuries, and kept the secret even from his
own people. In return for this protection the Tcha have given to the
rulers of the Itzaex certain powers which have enabled them to resist
all attacks upon their domain and to remain free and unconquered to this
day.
“There are not many of the ancient race of Tcha, and they live so
secluded in their mountain fastness that nothing definite is known
concerning them. When Chaka’s father was a young man he, with a band of
followers, unconsciously invaded the territory of the Tcha and climbed
the mountain near their sacred retreat. The atkayma and his men were
promptly seized and carried into the hidden city, where all were
destroyed except the Itzaex ruler. He was, after taking a solemn oath,
allowed to return to his people, so that by means of his authority he
might prevent any further intrusion on the part of his subjects.
“When Chaka was old enough to understand these things his father, the
old atkayma, confided to him this story, at the same time urging him,
when he in turn became the ruler of his nation, to protect the Tcha from
discovery or molestation. One thing that Chaka especially remembers is
his father’s description of the enormous wealth of the hidden city,
where the streets were literally lined with gold and all ornaments and
utensils were of the same precious metal. Brilliant red jewels, probably
rubies, seemed as common as pebbles elsewhere. The Itzaex are a simple
people, caring little for gold or gems, so the treasure of the Tcha has
never tempted them.
“And now, gentlemen, I think you will understand from this brief
relation the adventure upon which Chaka and I have embarked. My friend
will guide me to his people, the Itzaex, and from there we will make a
descent on the hidden city of the ancient Tcha and collect such treasure
as we are able.”
I drew a long breath, while Archie, Joe and I stared into one another’s
eyes. How curious it seemed that just at this juncture, when we had
supposed we were through with fortune hunting for good and all, this
alluring tale was suddenly told us. We were eager to know what would
follow, for it was evident that Allerton would not have told us so much
had he not, as indeed he had hinted, desired our assistance.
Uncle Naboth grunted as he shifted uneasily on his deck chair. Uncle is
a brave old fellow, and adventurous, too; but he is getting old, and has
enough means to render him rather indifferent to treasure seeking.
My father seldom allows his feelings to be detected from his expression.
He has a way of wiggling that wooden leg of his from side to side that
often tells me his mood; but he is accustomed to restrain all speech
until he has fully made up his mind, after which it is very difficult to
move him.
Fortunately, I thought, the leg did not now indicate that he was much
disturbed. He actually seemed interested in the lieutenant’s recital and
was at present slowly revolving it in his mind.
“I s’pose, sir,” began Uncle Naboth, “you’d like us to drop you on the
coast, near to where you’ll find Chaka’s people. We’ll do that. But as
fer waitin’ to pick you up, when you’re ready to quit, why that’s a hard
thing to figger on, seein’ no one knows how long the job’ll take you, or
if you’ll ever get away at all.”
Mr. Allerton did not reply at once. When he did his voice trembled a
little, as if the matter he was about to broach were of vital importance
to him.
“I want to make you a proposition, gentlemen,” he said, addressing us
all, “and I hope you will consider it carefully before rejecting it.
There is untold wealth in the secluded city of the Tcha. If we are going
there to plunder we may as well take enough to make every one of us
rich. Yet my idea is not to rob that ancient people, but to obtain a
portion of their gold and jewels by fair means. They have an ancient
superstition that if a white man ever discovers their retreat he will
become their master—second only in power to the Sun-God. Even the
priests must bow before him and admit his supremacy. They believe that
such a white man, capable of penetrating to their city, would be a
superior being, excelling themselves in intelligence; for their city is
carefully guarded from all possible intrusion.
“This story may or may not be true; yet, without knowing anything very
definite about the city or the people we are to visit, both Chaka and I
consider it reasonable to suppose that this isolated race, cut off from
all the rest of the world and its progress, and despising gold and
jewels except for their beauty, might be delighted with some of the
convenient and pretty knickknacks and modern inventions so common to us,
and so inexpensive. So I have packed in my chests a supply of novelties
which I will offer to trade for gold and rubies, thus obtaining the
desired treasure in a legitimate way.”
“That sounds reasonable, an’ clever, too,” remarked my father, nodding
approvingly.
“I’ve quite a lot of beads and cheap jewelry aboard myself,” announced
Archie. “Perhaps we could trade that in.”
“I don’t imagine people who have rubies and gold would care for cheap
jewelry,” replied Joe.
“My original idea,” said Allerton, “was to go alone with Chaka to his
people, and have them escort us to the neighborhood of the hidden city.
There Chaka and I would make an attempt to evade the guards and slip
into the city, using some appliances to accomplish this which I will
explain to you later. But the more I have dwelt upon this adventure, the
more dangerous it seems to me if undertaken by two people. The truth is
that I have made somewhat elaborate preparations to impress this unknown
nation, and I need more assistance than Chaka can render, and more
intelligent comrades than the fierce native Itzaex. The chances of
success would be much greater, I am sure, if I had half a dozen white
comrades, brave and trustworthy, willing to follow me anywhere.”
“Here’s one, Lieutenant!” I cried, starting up and extending to him my
hand. “Will you accept me as a volunteer?”
“Oh, well,” said Joe, calmly, “if Sam goes of course Archie and I go
with him.”
“To be sure,” nodded Archie, lazily.
Allerton seemed very grateful as he shook our hands. We shook hands with
Chaka, too, who appeared to be equally pleased.
“I knowed it!” growled Uncle Naboth, ruefully; “I saw it comin’ from the
start. Seems like we can’t sail in any direction without these fool boys
runnin’ their necks inter danger. That hidden city sounds interestin’,
though. Guess I’ll go, too, Lieutenant—blamed if I don’t!”
Now, my dear Uncle Naboth is so short and so fat that his person is
almost a ball in shape. Also he wheezes a bit because his breath is
scant, and no one would be likely to select him for an ideal mountain
climber and adventurer, under any circumstances. There was an amused
gleam in Allerton’s eye as he said:
“Thank you very much, sir. I shall be delighted to have you with us, if
you can stand the mosquitoes.”
“Eh? Are they ’skeeters there?” inquired my uncle.
“A great many, I fear. It is near the famous Mosquito Coast, you know.”
Uncle Naboth looked grave and a bit uncomfortable, but made no further
remark. I knew very well, however, that nothing on earth would induce
him to enter a jungle swarming with his deadly enemies the mosquitoes,
and that he would find an early excuse to back out of the expedition.
“O’ course,” said Captain Steele, “I’ll hev to look after the _Seagull_,
fer my part, an’ be ready to pick you up when you’ve made good. Hick’ry
legs ain’t much as mountain climbers, no how; so it’s just as well I
ain’t along.”
“If you’ll take me with you, sir,” said Ned Britton, who had been silent
until now, “I’ll consider it a rare favor.”
Allerton was genuinely glad of this splendid recruit. Ned wasn’t strong
at brain-work, but of powerful physique, active and fearless. I could
see that Chaka regarded him as the most valuable of the volunteers.
“There’s your half dozen whites, sir, including yourself,” said father.
“But I guess you’d better pick one more, ’cause Naboth’ll be et up by
’skeeters afore you get very far.”
“Then you must choose from among the sailors,” I suggested. “They are
all good men, Lieutenant, and you can’t go wrong.”
“I’ll look them over awhile and make the selection when I know them
better,” was Allerton’s reply. “I cannot tell you how greatly your
prompt and hearty coöperation has delighted me. These three young
fellows,” pointing to us in turn, “have won considerable renown already
for their desperate adventures, and not a man sails the seas who hasn’t
heard of them and admired their grit. I’m in luck to have met you; in
greater luck to have you join my enterprise. And now let us understand
the terms of the agreement. If we succeed—any of us—in returning to this
ship with treasure, I ask that a share be set aside to reclaim my old
homestead and support my mother and sisters. If I should not be
fortunate enough to come out of the adventure alive, then I ask you to
keep Chaka with you and make him your friend, sending on my share of the
spoils to my family. You can easily obtain Chaka’s discharge from the
navy, as he has served the required time.”
“That’s all right, sir,” I replied. “We are all taking chances, as we
know very well, and I think the best way to fix the business deal is to
say that your home shall be redeemed first of all, as that is the main
object of the undertaking. After that all of us who come back safe and
sound may share and share alike. What do you say, Uncle Naboth?”
“Very good, Sam.”
“Seems to me that’s fair and square,” added Archie.
“We’re furnishing the ship an’ crew,” remarked my father, musingly.
“True, sir,” responded Allerton readily. “But in those seven chests I
have an outfit fully as important for the success of the expedition as
your ship and crew. We will let one offset the other, if you like.”
“Suits me,” declared my father, who cared less for driving a bargain
than for asserting the importance of the _Seagull_. “But it’s gettin’
pretty late, boys, and I’m sleepy. Guess my wooden leg’s fell asleep
a’ready. So let’s turn in and do the rest o’ the talkin’ later on.
There’ll be lots o’ time to figger everything out afore we round the
Horn.”
So we separated, the group on deck breaking up.