WNWN XXXIV

“Mr. Hewlett, it is getting to be a long trek down into the cave. We might need to think about more precautions and procedures to help make this a bit easier,” said Conrad.
“What do you have in mind?” asked Paul.
“We should lay in some food, such as MRE’s, along the way in case of emergency. Also we could have batteries, extra lights, rope, cell phones other things we might need.”
“Well, let’s think about it. Meanwhile let’s get some rest, I want to go back early tomorrow.”
“OK.”
Neither slept solidly and both appeared the worse for it as the sun came up the next morning.
After a quick breakfast they were soon down into the cave. With each descent they became more sure of themselves and more familiar with the terrain and this helped them move more efficiently through the underground caverns.




Paul decided they would move on past the incredible discovery of the pyramid and see where the passage went from there. Neither man spoke. Each was thinking thoughts of what surprises yet lay ahead. They also felt uneasy thought neither told the other that was the case.
“It’s time to start leaving reference marks on the cave wall just in case we get lost we can find our way back,” said Paul. With that Conrad pulled out a large grease marking pen and made a big yellow arrow pointing the way to where they had come.
“How’s that?”
“That’ll do fine,” said Paul.
They crept along for nearly an hour all the whiled sending at a slight decline and with no great difficulty on the well defined pathway. There was an increasing odor in the atmosphere of the cave, a slightly sulphurous smell. Both men knew that oil wells frequently drilled into deposits of hydrogen sulfide, H2S, a lethal gas that smelled like rotten eggs, which had felled many an unwary rig hand or driller.
“Did you bring a sniffer?”
“Yes,” said Conrad. He pulled out the small instrument used to detect dangerous gasses. He took a reading. “It shows positive for hydrogen sulfide but not a dangerous level.”
“OK, we’ll check it again soon,” said Paul. And they continued slowly on. “It doesn’t take much for that gas to kill. We’ll have to stay on our toes.
It was getting noticeably warmer and they began to detect a slight, occasional tremor, adding to their discomfort level.
They passed more statues and bas reliefs on the walls, all bearing a strong resemblance to the Mayan art of the Yucatan and other locations.
“I have never read of the Mayans or related tribes in this area, I am sure it is not on any historical record. But this is obviously proof they were here. How long ago?” mused Paul. “This is a valuable discovery!”
“But this is a discovery we will not be able to share with the world, isn’t that so?” asked Paul.
“Well, yes, you are correct. That would upset all of my plans. Perhaps one day we will be able to disclose this but not in any immediate future.”
Now they approached what appeared to be a crude arch cut in the stone and covered with a large, round flat stone set on edge and decorated with pictographs and symbols.
“This looks like a calendar,” said Paul. “I wonder what it says?”
Suddenly Paul heard the voice of El Indio, as if he were there with them!
“This is a warning! It says go no farther or you risk unleashing the true demons of Hell!”
“I hate it when you do that!” Paul yelled out.
“What?” asked Conrad. “Do what? I don’t know what you are talking about,” said a startled Conrad.
“Sorry,” said Paul. I think El Indio is inside my head again. I heard him speak. He said this was a warning and should go no farther”
“Maybe he’s right, at least for today,” said Conrad.
“I think you are right. Let’s backtrack back out.”
Paul checked his watch. It took much less time to exit the cave than it had taken them to reach their stopping point. Soon they were back at the ranch house and enjoying supper.