In Old Mexico 131 



our travelling the steep descent on the other 

 side after dark. After several hours' winding 

 in and out around and over large rocks, trees, 

 and impediments of all kinds, we were relieved 

 to reach the little run which was our goal for 

 the night, without any serious mishap to man 

 or pack. While the guide hobbled the horses 

 and turned them loose, fire was started and 

 coffee boiled by the cook. Before long hot 

 coffee, meat, and potatoes were served; and 

 while eating we received unexpected company 

 from a ranch near by, of whose existence we 

 had no previous knowledge. But these Mexi- 

 cans from the ranch came strolling in by twos, 

 until camp became one whirl of excitement 

 with visitors. After satisfying their first cu- 

 riosity as to ourselves, our visitors began to 

 play a game called " sanpeet," which was ex- 

 citing for its newness and interesting because 

 all hands were expected to join in. One of 

 the party would bury his face in his Mexican 

 hat, held in the arm of another, at the same 

 time stooping so that his body was at right 

 angles with his legs. The rest of the players 

 then forming a circle around the stooped form. 



