There was much vegetation growing out of the ancient masonry, and he had a fear of scorpions and of more dangerous reptiles, perhaps, but he thrashed up the grass and weeds well with his machete.

Then he sat down and ate his supper.

Fortunately he had drunk copiously at a brook before reaching the ruined city and he did not suffer from thirst.
Then, relying upon the isolation of his perch for safety, he wrapped himself in the invaluable serape and lay down.

The night was cold as usual, and a sharp wind blew down from northern peaks and ranges, but Ned, protected by vegetation and the heavy serape, had an extraordinary feeling of warmth and snugness as he lay on the old pyramid.

Held so long within close walls the wild freedom and the fresh air that came across seas and continents were very grateful to him.