noon
Descending a rude ladder , we were placed in an underground apartment , and after being supplied with a scanty allowance of food , were again bound and left to silence and darkness . Again separated from my wife , and knowing but too well what treatment she would be likely to receive at the hands of the red demons , flushed with victory and spoil , I abandoned myself to the most gloomy reflections , which continued for many hours , until tardy sleep relieved me for a time from my self-imposed torture . How long I should have lain in this semi-comatose state I know not , had I not been aroused by the Indian who seemed to have been appointed my particular guard . Bringing me a portion of _ tasajo _ and an _ olla _ of water , he placed them on the ground beside me , and removing the thongs from my wrists left me to dispatch my unpalatable food as best I might ; at noon , and in the evening , he repeated the performance . With the exception of this interruption I was left to my thoughts . My reflections were of the bitterest and most gloomy nature . From my previous knowledge of the habits and characteristics of my captors I was assured that my fate was sealed ; and my death only a matter of time .