276 THE NATURALIST IN NICARAGUA. [Cli. XV. 



chance of a decision in his favour, and that he would 

 probably be shot in a day or two. Notwithstanding his 

 critical position, he was lively and cheerful ; when I 

 gave him a small piece of silver was as overjoyed as if 

 he had got news of his reprieve, and went jumping 

 away, his clanking fetters making ghastly music, glee- 

 fully showing to his guard the coin that would probably 

 procure him food the few days he had to live. His 

 wretched appearance, impending fate, and shocking 

 levity, had chased away the peaceful feelings with which 

 I had watched the quiet sunset ; but as he hobbled away, 

 night, like a pall, fell over the scene, the trembling stars 

 peeped out from the vault of heaven, and soon a million 

 distant orbs proclaimed that the world was but a grain 

 of dust in the vast universe, that the things of earth 

 were but for a moment, and, as a shadow, would pass 

 away. 



Next morning, when we wished to settle up with our 

 kind entertainers, they absolutely refused to accept any 

 payment. We had been recommended to the house, 

 and told that we could pay for what we got ; but we 

 now learnt that no one was ever refused entertainment, 

 and that no charge was made. We were total strangers, 

 nor should I have any opportunity of returning their 

 hospitality, as I had determined shortly to return to 

 Europe ; but all I could prevail upon them to accept 

 was a present to a little girl that lived with the ladies, 

 and of whom they were very fond, calling her "the 

 daughter of the house." Leaving the hospitable Senoras 

 Rimirez with many thanks, we started on our return 

 journey about seven o'clock. 



