::::::::»x TWO BIRD-LOVERS IN MEXICO B-"-" 



much nearer the standards of civilization in this, as 

 in many other respects. 



Our guide left the animals unguarded for a moment, 

 and when we came out of the hotel, a new bridle had 

 disappeared. The man shrugged his shoulders, accept- 

 ing the theft as a matter of course, and proceeded to 

 fashion another of rope. Shortly afterward, while I was 

 watching the pack-train, the unbridled horse took 

 fright and dashed off down the street. I stood helpless 

 for a moment, then I leaped into the nearest saddle, to 

 start in pursuit. But during the instant that I was 

 undecided, another was acting. A venerable Mexican, 

 wrapped to the eyes in his dirty sercqye, was passing. 

 The instant that the horse started, the old man threw 

 off his blanket, reached for the lariat hanging at 

 a pommel, swung it swiftly about his head, and flung 

 the whole lasso after the horse, now some distance 

 away. It took all his strength, and the effort was so 

 great that he fell to his knees, but the tangle of rope 

 flew true. Like something alive, it whirled through 

 the air, twisting and writhing. Then the long loose 

 end trailed out behind and the noose settled, with 

 exquisite nicety, over the head of the fleeing horse. 

 The animal stumbled on the dragging end, felt the pull 

 on his neck, and stopped instantly. Paying no attention 

 to my expressions of admiration and thanks, the aged 

 Mexican picked up his blanket, muffled himself in it, 

 and went on his way. 



<4 346 ^ 



