ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC 151 



released. This, of course, is not right, and yet, for the vigorous many 

 times lawless irresponsibles that crowd into a country that is just 

 awakening, as Mexico is, some such law is an absolute necessity, or the 

 anemic population would be crowded to the wall, or wiped out. There 

 are many provoking things about the Mexican laws ; for example, if a 

 lumber team should run over and kill a native, the authorities in their 

 anxiety for witnesses, and to place the responsibility, are apt to arrest 

 not only the drivers of the team, but all the rest of the gang, and for a 

 time look with suspicion on everybody connected with the lumber busi- 

 ness. 



The afternoon wore slowly away, and it rained harder every minute. 

 At last came supper and then bed. Here, as elsewhere, folding canvas 



DEL CORTE. ROAD THROUGH RUBBER. 



cots were the only beds used, and while they are superior to an earthern 

 floor, they do give one a crick in the back. Still we were thankful for 

 our many mercies, and settled down to sleep. One by one the dim oil 

 lamps were extinguished, and all was quiet except the monologue indulged 

 in by one guest who was somewhat inebriated. The Major reasoned 

 with him, begging him to go to sleep, which at last he did ; but the 

 relief was only temporary, as he soon began again, talking in his sleep. 

 Just as, used to this, we were dozing, a sudden crash shook the house 

 a guest had fallen out of bed. The Major told him what he thought of 

 such carelessness, and what he would do if it happened again, and once 

 more quiet reigned. For a short time only, all was still, and then 



