238 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



They, from under their broad-brimmed sombreros, 

 scowled with little affection on the stalwart hunters, 

 who clattered past them, scarcely deigning to glance at 

 the sullen Pelados, but paying incomprehensible com- 

 pliments to the buxom wenches who smiled at them 

 from the doors. Thus exchanging salutations, they rode 

 up to the house of an old mountaineer, who had long 

 been settled here with a New Mexican wife, and who 

 was the recognised entertainer of the hunters when they 

 visited Taos valley, receiving in exchange such peltry as 

 they brought with them. 



No sooner was it known that Los Americanos had 

 arrived, than nearly all the householders of Fernandez 

 presented themselves to offer the use of their " sal as M 

 for the fandango which invariably celebrated their 

 arrival. This was always a profitable event ; for as the 

 mountaineers were generally pretty well "flush" of 

 cash when on their " spree," and as open-handed as an 

 Indian could wish, the sale of whisky, with which they 

 regaled all comers, produced a handsome return to the 

 fortunate individual whose room was selected for the 

 fandango. On this occasion the sala of the Alcalde Don 

 Cornelio Vegil was selected and put in order ; a general 

 invitation was distributed ; and all the dusky beauties 

 of Fernandez were soon engaged in arraying themselves 

 for the fete. Off came the coats of dirt and alegria 

 which had bedaubed their faces since the last " funcion," 

 leaving their cheeks clear and clean. Water was pro- 

 fusely used, and their cuerpos were doubtless astonished 

 by the unusual lavation, Their long black hair was 



