CHAPTER VI. 



OTHER ASPECTS OF THE MEXICAN. 



HAVING a little business to transact with a 

 ranching neighbour, described as living 

 ' somewheres near the river,' I set forth one 

 July morning between seven and eight o'clock 

 in quest of my trading friend ; for we still trade 

 and barter here after the primitive manner. 



And just at this point we are brought up 

 short in order that we may consider the 

 vanity and futility of resolutions. Had it 

 not been resolved in the court of my mind 

 that never again was I to establish myself in 

 a section of which the prevailing sentiment 

 expressed in brief was, ' I've got no money, 

 but I reckon we can make a trade ' ? And 

 then to consume several hours trading for a 

 small chicken to stand out, furthermore, in 

 the broiling sun and lend a neighbourly ear 



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