“That’s hard to say. However, it probably is because they are half starved and look upon the whole world as a common foe. More than one tourist has received rough treatment at their hands.”
“And will they attack any one like that?” asked Dick.
“Not unless he shows money,” was the reply. “That is the remarkable part about it. No matter how much a man may have in his pocket they will not attack him unless they catch sight of silver or gold. One glimpse of it, however, seems to drive them wild.”
The officer gave his attention to the boat for a moment, and then continued:
“Another thing, as you have just observed. They will fight each other, but let a third party interfere and they will all jump on him.”
“Just like a quarrel between a man and his wife, eh?” asked Mr. Willing with a smile.
“Exactly. They’re a queer lot, and you will find them about the same in all Central and South American countries.”
The small boat now rubbed gently against the side of the Yucatan and the passengers scrambled up the ladder to the deck.
“We were lucky to get out of that with whole skins,” declared Shirley, when all once more stood on deck.
“I should say we were,” agreed Mabel.