et at rest.

CHAPTER FIFTY.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH OLD ACQUAINTANCES.

Passing out of the San Augustin towards the city, the great National
Road, as already said, touches upon the Pedregal, the lava rocks here
and there rising cliff-like over it. On the other side are level
meadows stretching to the shore of the Laguna de Xochimilco; this last
overgrown with a lush aquatic vegetation called the _cinta_, at a
distance appearing more pastureland than lake. Excellent pasturage is
afforded on the strip between; that end of it adjacent to the _pueblo_
being apportioned among several of the rich proprietors of villas, who
turn their household stock upon it, as milch kine, and horses kept for
the saddle or carriage.

Just about the time when the hunchback was abruptly bidding "Adios" to
the ladies, a man might have been seen moving along this part of the
road at some half-mile distance from the skirts of the village, with
face turned cityward. But that he had no intention of journeying so far
was evident both by his gait and the character of his dress. He was
going at a slow walk, now and then loitering, as if time was of little
consequence. Moreover, he was in his shirt sleeves, and without the
universal _serape_, which often serves for both cloak and coat.
Otherwise his garb was the ordinary stable wear of a Mexican gentleman's
servant; wide velveteen trousers open along the outer seams, and fended
with leather at breech and bottoms. "Batos" and a black glaze hat
completed his habiliments, with a scarf of China crape, the _chammora_,
around his waist. Scanning the face shadowed by the broad rim of his
_sombrero_, it was seen to be that of Jose, Don Ignacio's groom; while
his errand along that road could be guessed, by seeing what he carried
over his arm--a couple of slip halters. The horses, for whom they were
intended, were to be seen standing at a gate, a little further, having
browsed their fill; a pair of greys, recognisable as the famous
_frisones_; all the easier now from one of them showing a split ear.
They had been turned out to cool their hoofs on the soft meadow sward,
and he was on his way to take them back to their stable.

Along the other side of the road, for a stretch of some distance,
extended the Pedregal, forming a low ridge with a precipitous face
towards the causeway. As the _cochero_ got up to where his pets were
expecting him, he saw a _coyote_ standing upon the crest cliff, just
opposit