in in this semi-comatose state I know not, had
I not been aroused by the Indian who seemed to have been appointed my
particular guard. Bringing me a portion of _tasajo_ and an _olla_ of
water, he placed them on the ground beside me, and removing the thongs
from my wrists left me to dispatch my unpalatable food as best I might;
at noon, and in the evening, he repeated the performance. With the
exception of this interruption I was left to my thoughts. My reflections
were of the bitterest and most gloomy nature. From my previous knowledge
of the habits and characteristics of my captors I was assured that my
fate was sealed; and my death only a matter of time. These savages only
captured male prisoners the better to enjoy their destruction. What
astonished me most was that they had not put me to the torture on their
arrival at the village. The fate of my poor wife was the profoundest
mystery to me, as I had not seen or heard of her since our parting on
entering the Indian town. While I was being conducted to my prison she
was hurried off to the other end of the village. The darkening gloom of
my chamber informed me of the approach of night; and recognizing how
important it was for me to secure all the repose possible, I prepared to
retire. The preparations were of the simplest character; my feet being
bound it was only necessary to stretch my form along the ground and I
was in bed. I courted sleep with persistent endeavor; but my mind was a
prey to such agonizing reflections that the drowsy god held himself
aloof. I counted backwards, rolled my eyes from side to side in their
sockets, and resorted to all the devices known to me, but with
indifferent success. All through the night the howling of the village
dogs, the wild note of the swan, and the dismal whoops of the gruya,
could be heard; and it is very difficult even under circumstances more
favorable than those in which I was then placed to sleep with these
noises ringing in one's ears. Later, when a long residence with the
tribe had made me familiar with these sounds, and their causes, I was
not unfrequently startled by them. My imagination was constantly
dwelling on my approaching fate; and I am sure I suffered enough mental
agony to suffice for a score of physical deaths. The next morning my
keeper made his entry, this time without any food for me, and I was at
once struck by his altered looks; he was oiled, and streaked with paint,
from the crown of his head to his wai