CHAP. IV. THE GOVERNOR OF AMBATO. 91 



caravan, escorted by the guards, seemed to be conveying some 

 malefactor to prison ; but the oddity of the sight excited no 

 attention, and the natives passed by stolid, or apathetic, as usual. 

 On arrival at the town,^ we went straight to the house of His 

 Excellency Senor Juan Guerrero Duprat, Minister for Foreign 

 Affairs, who had agreed to let a suite of his principal apart- 

 ments for four shillings a day ! and on the morrow sent for the 

 doctor Avho had been recommended. Dr. Abel Barona, a gentle- 

 man who left a pleasant recollection through skilful attention 

 combined with moderation in charges.^ In a few days he set 

 me up ; and promised Louis that in a week he would be able 

 to get about, — a good-natured fiction that did not deceive any 

 of us. Though the swelling was soon reduced, the flesh parted 

 in large gashes, and until these were healed he could not make 

 serious attempts at Avalking. 



At the earliest opportunity, I paid a visit to the Governor. 

 The poor man was afflicted with the mumps, or some kindred 

 complaint, and had his jaws tied up with a coloured handker- 

 chief ; and, as he also wore a floral dressing-gown, his appear- 

 ance was rather decorative. He rose from a sort of divan, and 

 bowed very slowly and jorofoundly, with an obvious eye to effect. 

 But he was very courteous, and we soon got talking about the 

 possible Marquis. The Governor said that every one Avas robbed 

 at Chuquipoquio, and that a week seldom passed without com- 

 plaints coming to his ears. He suggested bringing an action 

 against Senor Chiriboga at Riobamba, and when I enquired 

 whether it was not the fact that he was very well connected, 

 and that it was possible the result might be unfortunate, he 



^ Left Chuquipoquio at 11.15 a.m., and arrived at Mocha at 2.45 p.m. Halted 

 until 4, and arrived at Ambato at 9 p.m. From the reasons mentioned in the 

 text, we travelled slowly. I found the litter a verj' suitable and pleasant method 

 of conveyance. The Indians shambled or jog-trotted almost the entire distance, 

 without shewing signs of fatigue. 



2 These details are given as a set-off to our experiences at Chuquipoquio. The 

 treatment at that place was quite exceptional. 



