STORY OF CATTLE YA SKINNERI ALBA 6s 



luck from year to year, and it was in listening to this dis- 

 cussion that Roezl perceived a gleam of hope. The mules 

 arrived with his orchids, and started again in the morning ; 

 but he stayed behind. The Cura was more than willing to 

 explain the local system of feeding, keeping, training, and in 

 general of managing cocks. Roezl went into it thoroughly 

 without comment ; but when the leading parishioners 

 assembled at night, as usual, he lifted up his voice. 



'My friends,' said he, 'you are always beaten because 

 you do not understand the tricks of these wily townsmen. 

 What you should import from Guatemala is not champion 

 cocks, but a good cock-master, up to date. I'm afraid he 

 would sell you indeed, but there is no other way.' 



They looked at one another astounded, but the Cura 

 broke out, ' Rubbish ! What do we do wrong ? ' 



^ Only a fool gives away valuable secrets. If you want 

 my information you must pay for it. But I will tell you 

 one thing. You keep your cocks tied up in a cupboard ' — 

 I am giving the sense of his observations — ' by themselves, 

 where they get spiritless and bored. You have been to 

 Tetonicapan. Is that how they do there ? In every house 

 you see the cocks tied in a corner of the living room, where 

 people come and go, often bringing their own birds with 

 them. Hens enter too sometimes. So they are always 

 lively and eager. This you have seen ! Is it not so ? ' 



' It is,' they muttered with thoughtful brows. 



' Well, I make you a present of that hint. If you want 

 any more valuable, you must pay.' And he withdrew. 



Weighty was the consultation doubtless. Presently they 

 went in search of him, the whole body, and asked his terms. 



' You shall^ not buy on speculation,' said Roezl. * Is 

 there a village in the neighbourhood where they treat their 

 cocks as you do, and could you make a match for next 

 Sunday .? Yes.? Well, then, you shall tie up your birds in 



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