IN THE PACIFIC. 159 



cracked by the earthquake, would fall during 

 the night. 



Kefreshed by a cup of excellent coffee, we again 

 started in our coach, and reached Santa Tecla, 

 a considerable town, three leagues distant from 

 the capital, by eight o'clock. This place showed 

 signs of having been severely shaken; many 

 houses were cracked, but none were actually 

 thrown down ; the town and all the roads lead- 

 ing to it were crowded with poor families 

 leaving San Salvador, carrying all their worldly 

 goods with them; the bullock- drivers were 

 doing a roaring trade, charging ten dollars for 

 what they would do for one under ordinary 

 circumstances. 



Driving through Santa Tecla, we pushed on 

 for the capital ; partaking in the coach of a good 

 breakfast which had been provided for us by the 

 thoughtful kindness of Captain Searle of the 

 " Winchester." 



As we approached the city, signs of de- 

 struction became apparent, a massive aqueduct 

 which had spanned the road, and by which the 



