to
inspect the vesicles caused by vaccination. Whether this is because
of their similarity to those of smallpox, or owing to the natural
association which exists between them, I cannot tell. That it is real
enough, however, may be judged by the fact that, terrified as I was at
smallpox, and convinced as I have always been of the prophylactic power
of vaccination, I could never force myself--until an occasion to be told
of--to submit to it. In infancy, no doubt, I was vaccinated, for the
operation has left a small and very faint cicatrix on my arm, but
infantile vaccination, if unrepeated, is but a feeble protection in
later life.

Unconsciously I pulled upon the bridle, and the tired mule stopped.
"Malignant smallpox!" I muttered, "and that fool is trying to treat it
with cold water!"[*]

[*] Readers of Prescott may remember that when this terrible
disease was first introduced by a negro slave of Navaez, and
killed out millions of the population of Mexico, the
unfortunate Aztecs tried to treat it with cold water. Oddly
enough, when, some years ago, the writer was travelling in a
part of Mexico where smallpox was prevalent, it came to his
notice that this system is still followed among the Indians,
as they allege, with good results.

The old woman looked up and saw me. "Si, Senor Inglese," she said with a
ghastly smile, "_viruela, viruela!_" and she went on gabbling something
which I could not understand.

"She say," broke in Antonio, "nearly quarter people dead and plenty
sick."

"For Heaven's sake, let us get out of this," I said to Emma, who, seated
on the other mule, was staring horror-struck at the sight.

"Oh!" she said, "you are a doctor; can't you help the poor things?"

"What! and leave you to shift for yourself?"

"Never mind me, Dr. Therne. I can go on to the _hacienda_, or if you
like I will stay too; I am not afraid, I was revaccinated last year."

"Don't be foolish," I answered roughly. "I could not dream of exposing
you to such risks, also it is impossible for me to do any good here
alone and without medicines. Come on at once," and seizing her mule by
the bridle I led it along the road that ran through the town towards the
_hacienda_ on the height above.

Ten minutes later we were riding in the great courtyard. The place
seemed strangely lifeless and silent; indeed, the plaintive mewing of a
cat was the only sound to be heard. Presently, however, a dog