he part of cook.

While his game was being roasted Poyor searched the forest in the
immediate vicinity, and succeeded in finding a quantity of yellowish
green fruit which Cummings explained to his companions were mangoes.

"I thought it was necessary to cultivate mangoes," Teddy said in
surprise.

"Not here, although it was originally introduced from India; but it took
so kindly to the soil that one finds the fruit even in the heart of the
primitive forest. Except for the odor of turpentine, I think it the most
pleasing of all that nature has bestowed."

Just at that moment the boys were more interested in what Poyor was
doing than regarding the fruits of Yucatan, and instantly he pulled the
first armadillo from the fire they were ready to be served.

During ten minutes after receiving his share of the meat on a broad
leaf, every member of the party ate ravenously, and then Jake said with
a sigh of content, as he helped himself to another generous portion:

"I declare it is almost worth while going without grub in order to know
how good it tastes."

"I'd rather eat less at a time, and have my meals more regularly," Teddy
said with a laugh, as he made an attack upon a pile of mangoes.

Then Cummings began to discuss with Poyor the best course to pursue
while journeying to the coast, and the others listened in silence, for
upon the decision arrived at might depend all their chances of ever
reaching home again.

CHAPTER XXIX.

A FIERCE CONFLICT.

That Poyor believed the more serious danger was over, the boys
understood from the fact that camp-fires were to be kept burning during
the night, something which would never have been allowed had he feared
an attack from the Chan Santa Cruz.

Then again, the Indian no longer refused to converse lest the duty of
the sentinel should be neglected; but talked readily and at considerable
length with Cummings regarding the course to be pursued.

He also indulged in the luxury of a smoke, something he had not done
since leaving the white man's hut, and, taking their cue from him, the
remainder of the party gave themselves up to absolute repose both of
body and mind, therefore because of these reasons if for no other, this
particular halting place was afterward remembered as the most pleasant
they knew during the long, fruitless journey.

When Cummings and Poyor finally decided upon the line of march for the
following day, the twilight was rapidly deepening into t