r method of winding up the
day. The space in front of the patriarch's dwelling having been swept,
and two crackling fires lighted, ere long the women made their
appearance, in what they considered full dress, and their hair loaded
with flowers. The national air of the _Jarabe_ was played, and the
dancers trod the measure with energy. Lucien, who had joined the crowd,
wanted to teach the polka and waltz to the Indian children. Sumichrast
stood by, laughing most heartily; but his merriment increased on seeing
l'Encuerado's gambols, for never before had such wonderful capers been
cut. He sang, strummed on his guitar, and danced--often doing all three
at the same time. About ten o'clock, Lucien retired to rest. The
fatigues of the day, in spite of the noise of the guitar and the songs,
soon sent him to sleep.

At a proper hour I desired every one to go home. They kissed my hands,
some even embraced me, and obeyed; so silence once more reigned in the
little valley. Before my going to sleep, l'Encuerado was already
snoring, with his head on Gringalet's back.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XXII.

MEXICAN OAK-APPLES.--A STREAM LOST IN AN ABYSS.--THE WILD
NASTURTIUM.--SPORTSMEN DECEIVED BY CHILDREN.--THE GRAVE-DIGGING
BEETLES.--THE COCHINEAL INSECT.--MEXICAN WINE.--GOOD-BYE TO OUR INDIAN
HOSTS.

As soon as it was light, I awoke Sumichrast and Lucien. L'Encuerado was
sleeping so soundly, after his exploits of the night before, that we
hesitated to disturb him. I intended to hunt for insects all day, so as
to fill up the vacant spaces in the specimen-boxes that Torribio was to
take to Puebla; so we bent our steps towards the bottom of the valley.
As the inhabitants were still asleep in their huts, Gringalet passed
safely all his sleeping brother-dogs with his tail boldly cocked.

The winding path brought us out into an extensive hollow covered with
verdure. In a hundred paces more, we reached some pyramid-shaped rocks,
which were bound together by the gigantic roots of a tree with scanty
foliage. The water glided noiselessly through the stones, and
disappeared under a low arch shaded by gladiolas, covered with blossoms.

Lucien, who was leaning over the opening, wanted to know what became of
the water.

"Perhaps it is absorbed by sand underneath; perhaps it will reappear in
the valleys, where the surface sinks to its level," I answered.

"Do streams often go under the ground like this?"

"Yes; part