Chapter I: Introduction

In Mr. E. G. Squier's preface to the translation of the Chevalier Arthur Morelet's "Travels in Central America" the following paragraph can be found:

"Whoever glances at the map of Central America will observe a vast region, lying between Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan, and the republic of Guatemala, and comprising a considerable part of each of those states, which, if not entirely a blank, is only conjecturally filled up with mountains, lakes and rivers. It is almost as unknown as the interior of Africa itself. We only know that it is traversed by nameless ranges of mountains, among which the great river Usumasinta gathers its waters from a thousand tributaries, before pouring them, in a mighty flood, into the Lagoon of Terminos, and the Gulf of Mexico. We know that it has vast plains alternating with forests and savannas; deep valleys where tropical nature takes her most luxuriant forms, and high plateaus dark with pines, or covered with the delicate tracery of arborescent ferns. We know that it conceals broad and beautiful lakes, peopled with fishes of new varieties, and studded with islands which supports the crumbling yet still imposing remains of aboriginal architecture and superstition. And we know, also, that the remnants of the ancient Itzæs, Lacandones, Choles, and Manches, those indomitable Indian families who successfully resisted the force of the Spanish arms, still find a shelter in its fastnesses, where they maintain their independence, and preserve and practice the rites and habits of their ancestors as they existed before the discovery. Within its depths, far off on some unknown tributary of the Usumasinta, the popular tradition of Guatemala and Chiapas places that great aboriginal city, with its white walls shining like silver in the sun, which the _curé_ of Quiche affirmed to Mr. Stephens he had seen, with his own eyes, from the tops of the mountains of Quesaltenango."

In Stephens' "Yucatan," Vol II, page 195, are the following lines:

"He (meaning the padre of Quiche, with whom Mr. Stephens was conversing), was then young, and with much labor climbed to the naked summit of the Sierra, from which, at a height of ten or twelve thousand feet, he looked over an immense plain--and saw at a great distance a large city spread over a great space, and with turrets white and glittering in the sun. The traditionary account of the Indians of Chajul is, that no white man has ever reached this city, that the inhabitants speak the Maya language, are aware that a race of strangers has conquered the whole country around, and murder any white man who attempts to enter their territory. They have no coin or other circulating medium; no horses, cattle, mules, or other domestic animals except fowls, and the cocks they keep under ground to prevent their crowing being heard. One look at that city would be worth ten years of an every-day life. If he (the padre) is right, a place is left where Indians and an Indian city exist as Cortez and Alvarado found them; there are living men who can solve the mystery that hangs over the ruined cities of America; who perhaps can go to Copan and read the inscriptions on its monuments. No subject more exciting and attractive presents itself to my mind, and the deep impression will never be effaced."

CONTENTS.

PAGE. CHAPTER I. The Sea Dream. 1

CHAPTER II. Under Weigh. 8

CHAPTER III. Nassau. 19

CHAPTER IV. A New Danger. 29

CHAPTER V. Fighting the Flames. 39

CHAPTER VI. The Last Resort. 49

CHAPTER VII. On Shore. 60

CHAPTER VIII. Suspense. 71

CHAPTER IX. Across the Country. 81

CHAPTER X. A Strange Story. 91

CHAPTER XI. The Journey. 101

CHAPTER XII. The Silver City. 111

CHAPTER XIII. In the City. 122

CHAPTER XIV. The Festival. 132

CHAPTER XV. A Retreat. 142

CHAPTER XVI. Discovered. 152

CHAPTER XVII. A Halt. 162

CHAPTER XVIII. Cave Life. 172

CHAPTER XIX. A Change of Base. 182

CHAPTER XX. A Desperate Struggle. 192

CHAPTER XXI. A Long Halt. 202

CHAPTER XXII. Jake's Venture. 212

CHAPTER XXIII. A Hurried Departure. 222

CHAPTER XXIV. Jake. 231

CHAPTER XXV. On the Range. 241

CHAPTER XXVI. The Pursuit. 251

CHAPTER XXVII. At Bay. 260

CHAPTER XXVIII. The Catastrophe. 270

CHAPTER XXIX. A Fierce Conflict. 280

CHAPTER XXX. A Welcome Change. 290

CHAPTER XXXI. The Sea. 299

CHAPTER XXXII. A Happy Surprise. 308

CHAPTER XXXIII. Homeward Bound. 318

THE SEARCH FOR THE SILVER CITY.