The region of verdure gave place to the wild,
lava-strewn slope, which was succeeded in its turn by the treacherous
glaciers; and at last the gallant little band stood at the very edge
of the crater, a vast depression of over a league in circumference, and
1,000 feet in depth.
SULPHUR FROM THE CRATER
Flame was issuing from the hideous abysses, and the stoutest man's heart
must have quailed as he peered down into the dim, mysterious cavity to
where the sloping sides were crusted with bright yellow sulphur, and
listened to the mutterings which warned him of the pent-up wrath and
power of the mighty volcano. They knew that at any moment flame and
stifling sulphurous vapor might be belched forth, but now no cowardice
was shown. They had come provided with ropes and baskets, and it only
remained to see who should descend. Lots were therefore drawn, and
it fell to Montano, who was accordingly lowered by his followers in a
basket 400 feet into the treacherous region of eternal fires.
The basket swayed and the rope quivered and vibrated, but the brave
cavalier sturdily held to his task, disdaining to show fear before his
humble companions. The lurid light from beneath flashed upon his tanned
features, and a sulphurous steam rose slowly and condensed upon the
sides; but, whatever were his thoughts, the Spaniard collected as
much sulphur as he could take up with him, breaking off the bright
incrustations, and even dallying with his task as if in contempt of
the danger, till he had leisurely filed his basket, when the signal was
given and he was drawn up.
Pages:
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371