LOST IN AN AMERICAN FOREST.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 233, 18 July 1872, Page 7

LOST IN AN AMERICAN FOREST.

(From *' Morlefs Travels " in Central America)

I was lost-, and had been for some hours. Finding nothing that I remembered having seen before, I sadly retraced my steps. As I reached the outskirts of the forest, a clear musical, and -sonorous note rang through its depths, like the ironical voice of an evil spirit. My feelings, on hearing this unexpected call, I never can forget. I know not what superstitious idea crossed my mind, and caused the bloody to rush hurriedly through my veins ; but* I determined not to be misled a second time, and continued my course without even thinking of using my gun agaiust the invisible world which seemed to make a trial of its power over me by awakening, at different points, the echoes of its delusive melody. With some difficulty I regained my starting point. Far from being discouraged by the want of success attending my first effort, 1 found myself more calm and collected than before. Reflection had strengthened my courage, by giving me confidence" in the success of the plan which I had adopted. Some ruins which I " knew could not possibly be far distant, and I should certainly reach them in the morning, if I failed in doing so to-day. Animated by new hopes of success, I directed my steps towards the north, not forgetting however, to take the proper precaution for- ensuring my return, if necessary. The forest in this direction was on a rising ground,

thickly covered with dead leaves. I successively traversed several hills separated by narrow valleys, in Avhich reigned the profoundest silence. The undergrowth soon commenced, and rapidly became more and more dense. I Avas only able to make my way Avith the greatest effort through the maze of branches and vines Avhich obstructed my progress. My broAv A\ r as Avet with perspiration, my face and hands were covered with blood, but no obstacle could turn me from my course. A single thought absorbed my faculties, and my only fear was that of losing the thread which AA r as to guide me. At last I succeeded in escaping from this almost impenetrable thicket, and saw before me a steep hill, less thickly covered Avith vegetation. In ascending this I made a mistcp and suffered a fall. At the moment I paid but little attention to this accident, but it subsequently appeared that a sharp point of rock had penetrated my right knee, reaching to the bone, and bruising ifc in such a manner as afterwards to occasion me the greatest pain and annoyance. Prom the high point Avhich I noAv succeeded in reaching I could see nothing around me which Avore a familiar look.

Daylight Avas beginning to fade ; there was nothing left for. me to do but to retrace my steps, and make up my mind to remain at my station patiently until morning. My courage, hoAA'ever, Avas beginning to flag. The rapidly-increasing darkness, the prospect of a night of anxiety, an intolerable thirst, the silence of these AA'oods, and disappointment Avhich has thus far attended my efforts — all these contributed to sadden and discourage me.

After I had repassed the thickets which obstructed the valley, I found, to my consternation, that, either from Avant of care or absence of mind, I was again lost! A doath-like shudder passed over me; the perspiration started from every pore, and my very breath seemed suspended. These painful sensations, however, did not at all resemble the feeliug of stupor which overwhelmed when, for the first time. I became conscious of my terrible situation. I still retained my presence of mind, and was able to deliberate on the course which I should pursue. Ifc was unsafe to stay in the thicket, on account of the reptiles and wild beasts which infested it, and I therefore ascended the hill which I had just left, but in another direction, when \ discovered through the tt-eos another eminence, Avhich,. by its isolated condition and conical shape, particularly arrested my attention. I advanced towards it, and found that the stones scattered around its foot seeme I- to bear the traces of human industry, although defaced by age. They had evidently formed part of some ancient structure which time had levelled to the ground. I will not attempt to describe the surprise, the joy, and the gratitude which swelled my heart -at this unexpected discovery. I fell upon my knees, and from the depths of my soul thanked God for lending me His protecting aid at the very moment that I began to doubt His clemency. This done I proceeded on my way. Great caution Avas necessary. The tumulus before me Avas probably connected with other ruins, but; nevertheless it was unfamiliar to my eyes. I resolved, therefore, to pursue the plan I had previously adopted— that is to say, to explore the country around, but always adopting some point as a centre. I had advanced but a short distance, when new remains encouraged me to keep on in the same direction.

I soon came to another small hillock, the top of which was covered with ruins. Their shape and style were becoming insensibly familiar to me, and Avithout exactly taking in their details, which the darkness Avas rapidly veiling, I instinctively felt that they were not strangers. Thus, link by link, I succeeded it reuniting the chain Avhich I had so imprudently broken. "By tlie time the last ray of daylight had laded, I reached home again, Avorn out with fatigue, bruised, and bleeding— but I had acquired valuable experience for the future.