We came here to learn the cause of all
this racket, and we'll do it, or know the reason why."
"Excuse me, _companero_, I know when I have had enough. This mountain
is surely bewitched. There must be an evil spirit living inside. Do I
not know it? And even the door is guarded by demons that spring at a
man and tear him. My clothes, once so handsome, Senors, are torn into
tatters, just because Joe, he was fool enough to step into that black
opening above!"
Frank started as he heard the Mexican say this. It seemed to him that
possibly here was a clue worth following up.
"Tell us what you mean, Joe," he asked, quickly. "What black opening
did you try to enter; and what happened to you, _amigo_? We have done
you a service, saved your life, perhaps. In return, tell us this."
"It is little enough, Senor Frank. Up above, not more than seventy
feet from here, lies a hole in the ground. I was looking for shelter
from the storm, because Senor Peg wished it. I entered. Hardly had I
taken ten steps than something flew at me. I think it was a demon, for
it had sharp claws, and I thought I could smell brimstone and sulphur.
Just then the mountain yawned, and what with the terrible noise, and
having to fight off that unseen enemy, I climbed out of there fast, but
with all my fine clothes ruined. That was why I came down the side of
the mountain in such haste that I caught my foot. I thought that fury
was chasing me.
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