::::::::^ HOW WE DID IT M^:^ 



this is an absolute necessity, unless you have an inter- 

 preter. 



Both my husband and I had revolvers, and wore 

 them. All the Mexicans in the wilder parts of the 

 country wear revolvers, and it is but the part of safety 

 to do likewise. The Mexicans are much surprised at 

 seeing: a Senorita ride cross-saddle and wear a re- 

 volver ; so the camping woman must accustom herself 

 to creating a sensation among* these simple folk. 



I shall never forget the impression I made in the 

 little city of Colima. After riding many miles on the 

 trail, we halted before the Chbio Hotel, and very dusty 

 and tired we were. Jumping off my horse, wearing of 

 course my divided skirt and my revolver, I entered the 

 patio of the hotel. A forlorn little Frenchman and his 

 wife were dining in the patio, as were many Mexicans, 

 and their astonishment at my appearance was ludicrous. 

 A Mexican woman will often take a pipe from her 

 mouth to express shock and surprise at a Senorita 

 riding cross-saddle ! 



It was long before I could accustom myself not to 

 start with surprise when I was invited to smoke. Even 

 the clerks in the hotels will offer a woman a box of 

 cigarettes as soon as she arrives, asking very politely 

 " Desea Vd. fimiar ? " — Do you wish to smoke ? This 

 courtesy is to the Mexican as natural as for an Ameri- 

 can gentleman to offer a woman his chair. 



There is much to amuse those of us who are blessed 



<4; 373 ^ 



