Several horses cropped the rank grass about these ruins, and into one of them, which had been given a temporary thatch of palm leaves, the prisoner was led.
"Here we had begun to break our fast when your mare notified us of your proximity," said the leader, who had already motioned to his men to loose their hold on the young American.

"Now if you will honor us with your company, we will resume that interrupted pleasure.

Manuel, we wait to be served." Upon this a grinning negro brought in a basketful of yams that had evidently been roasted among the ashes of an open fire, and set it on a rude table.

Beside it he placed a calabash containing a drink mixed of water, lime-juice, and brown sugar.

"Let us eat," said the host, reaching for one of the ash-encoated yams.