be interesting to know whether it is, in part at least, of indian
origin. In three days we had completed our examination of the men, but
not a woman had been produced for examination. On the fourth day, we
reiterated our demands to the authorities, and Don Murcio, the janitor
or messenger, who had been put subject to our order, was almost frantic.
He declared that to secure the women we needed would tax every power of
the government; that they refused to come; that his mere appearance in
the market caused a scattering. Finally, we told him, that if he would
provide twenty-five Chamula women, we would get the Tzendals in their
villages, as we passed through them. Encouraged, by having one-half of
our demand abated, he made another visit to the market. Soon we heard
excited voices, and a moment later Don Murcio came rushing up the stairs
with both arms filled with black _chamaras_. It is the custom of the
indian women, when they come to market, and settle down with wares to
sell, to fold their heavier garments and lay them on the ground beside
them. Don Murcio had gathered up the first of these he came to, and fled
with them to the government palace, while the crowd of angry women,
chasing along behind, expressed their feelings vigorously. Putting the
garments out of reach, the women were told by the officials, that each
would receive back her property as soon as the strangers made their
desired measurements. While we were dealing with the first cluster, Don
Murcio sallied forth, and returned once more with garments and women. In
this way, the work proceeded, until the final lot were in our hands.
Not to unnecessarily increase their terrors, we had refrained from
photographing, until the final company had been secured. We had told the
officials of our plan, and as these later ones were measured, they were
told that they must wait for their garments until the last one was
measured, and until the gentleman had done some other work. When all had
been measured, it was explained to the six of seven in the group, that
they were to go down into the _patio_, where a picture would be taken of
the company. That they might be properly prepared for the picture, their
garments were returned. Suspecting no treachery, Don Murcio led the
way, and one of two police officers accompanied the forward part of the
procession, while Louis brought up the rear, in expectation of making
the portrait. All went well until the first two or three had en