88 



TEA VELS AMONGST THE ORE A T ANDES. chap. iy. 



THE ENTRANCE TO THE TAMBO. 



accomplished the job in their own fashion pretty quickly, 

 covering the framework of poles with a superstructure of pon- 

 chos. Louis was hoisted into the saddle with his feet well 

 bandaged in lint and made up into bundles, and by nine o^clock 

 we were ready to leave. 



But it was easier to get into the Tambo of Chuquipoquio 

 than out of it. The bill had to be settled, and it could not 

 be obtained, and in the meantime the caravan was kept locked 

 up in the courtyard. When the bill came, its portentous total 

 made me examine the items. It commenced by charging for 

 each individual thing supplied at a meal. Bread was put down 

 at two shillings for a few slices ; half a pint of milk was 

 entered at half-a-crown, and coffee at three shillings and two- 

 pence ; and after this ^^the meaP^ was charged for over again, 

 at a price which was quite adequate irrespective of the previous 



