Montezuma's Castle, and Other Weird Tales

"Montezuma's Castle, and Other Weird Tales" by Charles B. Cory, is a compilation of short stories from the late 1800s that plunges into adventure and the supernatural, all tinged with the odd and unusual within the American Southwest. Readers are introduced to yarns filled with mummies, ancient ruins, and eccentric characters, sure to capture the imaginations of those who enjoy the mysterious coupled with folklore. The initial tale introduces a protagonist who meets a curiosity dealer, eager to recount his adventurous journeys seeking rare specimens in locations such as "Montezuma's Castle," where he describes the excitement and the perils found in the wilderness, like exploring ancient caves. Tension builds as the dealer finds himself betrayed and trapped in a cave by his Mexican partner, Antonio, who removes their ladder, promising both adventure and danger in the stories that follow.