252 SPORTING ADVENTURES 



very snug anchorage, and is convenient for 

 cutting wood, any quantity of which can be got 

 close to the ship. From thence we proceeded 

 to Acapulco, where we arrived three days after- 

 wards. 



"Whilst the coaling and refitting was going on 

 I accepted the offer of one of the merchants of 



a mount for E and myself, for the purpose 



of visiting a marsh, at a place called Pied-de-la- 

 questa, about twelve miles over the mountains, 

 from the town, where we heard there was 

 capital shooting. 



Our departure was somewhat delayed by the 

 behaviour of my steed, which showed his de- 

 cided objection to the journey by bucking me 

 off, gun cartridges and all, into the middle of 

 the plaza. His owner assured me that this was 

 his regular practice before starting, but that 

 once under weigh he was as quiet as a lamb. I 

 preferred to take his word for this, and ex- 

 changing the animal for another, we took a 

 fresh departure. We were accompanied on this 

 occasion by a Yankee loafer, who was reported 



