d, while my companions spread a large
_petate_ on the floor, and our little indian carrier put down a small
one for himself, as he declared he should not leave us until morning. He
had a good supper, and in a fit of generosity, presented Louis with what
was left of his package of _posole_. With much enthusiasm, he told us of
an "animal" which he had seen and tried to catch upon the road. From his
description, it appeared to be an armadillo. Before he lay down on his
_petate_, he kissed my hand, wished me a good night's rest, and asked my
good-night blessing. He was happy in possession of a _real's_ worth of
_aguardiente_, from which, at intervals during the night, he drank.
Early in the morning, he opened the door, and, looking out, crossed
himself, and repeated his morning prayer. He then came to _Tatita_
(little father) to receive his morning's blessing, and hoped that I had
passed a good night in slumber. He then brought me a _jicara_ of cool,
fresh water, after which he urged me to take a sip from his dear bottle.
Going outside a little time, he returned with two roses, heavy with dew
and very fragrant, and gave them to me as if they were a gift for kings.
Very soon, however, his potations got the better of him, and bidding us
a fond farewell, he started for Hidalgo.

It was my day of fever, and I spent the greater portion of the morning
on my hard bed, getting up from time to time to try to move the _agente_
to procure an animal, on which I might make the journey to El Triunfo.
Finally, in despair, after difficulty in securing a foot-messenger, I
sent a letter to Don Enrique, asking him to send an animal for my use.
During the afternoon, a fine mule and a letter came from El Triunfo.
"Sir: The boy brought me your letter, and I send you a good mule for
yourself, so we shall talk all the rest when you shall get here. If you
need more pack-mules I will send them afterwards, as soon as you tell
me how many you need. Hoping to see you this afternoon, I remain, Yours
very truly, Henry Rau." The road was down hill, and there were but two
or three bad spots. I rode through tropical forests, the whole distance,
with high trees, bound together with a mass of vines, and loaded with
parasitic or aerial plants. Here and there, rose the largest tree-ferns
I have ever seen. I was not in the best mood, however, for enjoying the
journey, and the hour-and-a-quarter seemed like much more. The great
coffee _finca_ of El Triunfo occupie