he sacred fire is reached, I can
partially protect myself by scattering the glowing coals on the floor,
and fight the reptiles with what they dread the most. In leaving the
couch my foot becomes entangled, I give a sudden jerk, and to my horror
and dismay, pull down a section of the fur-covered wall; a sight
discloses itself that curdles the blood in my veins and thrills my frame
with a paralyzing honor. _I have disturbed a nest of huge serpents!_
They move; uncoil themselves, and join the _crotalus_; suddenly the room
seems alive with the venomous creatures. I hear the dreaded rattle and
the sibilant hiss; rushing toward the fire, I seize the tripod and dash
it to the ground, scattering the glowing embers in every direction. My
fright becomes terrible, and I imagine the monsters are crawling over my
body. With the frenzy of despair I rush to the door that leads out of
this chamber of horrors, all the while uttering the most fearful
shrieks. In a twinkling I am confronted by Indians, bearing lighted
torches; taking in the situation at a glance, they enter the apartment,
chase the serpents back to their hiding places, while I am hurried away
to less disagreeable quarters. I have passed through many thrilling
adventures, but for unparalleled horror, this one was without its peer.

The following morning, I was taken into the presence of the priest. That
something of unusual moment was about to transpire, I felt sure, from
the general air and appearance of those in the room. WAKOMETKLA was
seated on a throne, around him were grouped a number of chiefs in all the
bravery of war paint, plumes and robes. It was the council chamber, and I
was about to go through the ceremony of adoption into the tribe. It might
have been interesting had I understood their tongue, but as it was, I
played the part of a puppet.

The profoundest silence reigned throughout the apartment, and the gray
dawn, stealing in through the door of the lodge, pervaded the room and
made it colder and more desolate than before. A chief advanced to my
side, and muttering something in which I could only distinguish the
words "Americano" and "Quetzalcoatl," led me to the foot of the dais.
WAKOMETKLA arose and addressed me at length; then the warriors
formed in a circle and moved around me, accompanying their movements
with a wild sort of chant. A young boy and girl, standing on one side
supplied the music, using for this purpose an Indian drum, which
produced a mo