_ ever
entered the mind of a New Mexican. If so, it must have been a New
Mexican _woman_; for the humanity of these is in an inverse ratio to
that of their lords. For the women it may be urged that the sport is a
custom of the country; and what country is without its cruel sports? Is
it rational or consistent to weep over the sufferings of Chanticleer,
while we ride gaily upon the heels of poor broken Reynard?

There are two modes of the "Correr el gallo." The first has been
described. The second only differs from it in the fact that the cock,
instead of being tied to a tree, is buried up to his shoulders in the
earth. The horsemen, as before, pass in routine--each bending from his
saddle, and striving to pluck the bird out of the ground. For the rest
the conditions are the same as before.

The first cock was hung to a branch; and the competitors having taken
their places in a line, the game commenced.

Several made the attempt, and actually seized the bird's head, but the
soap foiled them.

The dragoon sergeant was once more a competitor; but whether his colonel
made any further bet upon him is not known. The Comandante had gambled
enough for that day; and but for a little peculation which he enjoyed
upon the mining "derechos," and other little customs dues, he would have
felt his losses still more severely. Out of the derechos, however, he
knew he could square himself at the expense of the vice-regal
government.

The sergeant, who, as already stated, had the advantage of a tall figure
and a tall horse, was able to get a full grasp at the neck of the bird;
and being already provided, as was afterwards ascertained, with a
fistful of sand, he took the prize with him, and galloped off.

But there were swifter horses than his on the ground; and before he
could double the turning-post he was overtaken by an active vaquero, and
lost a wing of his bird. Another wing was plucked from him by a second
pursuer; and he returned to the tree with nothing but a fragment left!
Of course he received neither _vivas_ nor cheers.

Carlos the cibolero took no part in this contest. He knew that he had
won glory enough for that day--that he had made both friends and
enemies, and he did not desire to swell the list of either. Some of the
bystanders, however, began to banter him, wishing, no doubt, to see him
again exhibit his fine horsemanship. He withstood this for some time,
until two more cocks were plucked from the tr