390 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xx. 



pine-apples were cut up forthwith into five portions — the donor 

 consuming a share. 



The train ran as far as the first station smoothly, and there the 

 engine went off the track. While affairs were being rectified, I 

 sent into the village, and having acquired the materials for a good, 

 square meal, entertained the Conductor as my guest. " Now," 

 thought I, " that piue-apple account is balanced." 



At Yaguachi, after again expressing my obligations, I was 

 about to leave, when the Conductor put his hand on my shoulder 

 and stopped me. '' The fares ! " General Veintemilla's letter was 

 comprehensive, and might have covered anything from special 

 trains downwards, and I remarked that it seemed to imply free, 

 transit. " No,^' was the reply, made with admirable readiness, '' it 

 embraces everything except that." ^' How much ?" " Three pesos 

 and a half apiece." I paid the amount like a lamb, and was going 

 off, when the Conductor again stopped me. '' There is the bag- 

 gage." " How much ?" I paid his charge, but there still seemed 

 to be something on his mind. '^ Is there anything else ?" " Yes, 

 Senor ; ycmr Excellency has forgotten to pay for the pine-apples !"^ 



1 The Ecuadorian Railway was commenced under the auspices of the Govern- 

 ment. It is now in the hands of a Company, and its construction, I am informed, 

 is being pushed on actively. In 1888, the section was opened from Duran (opposite 

 to Guayaquil) to Yaguachi, and it is said that several kilometres are finished beyond 

 the Bridge of Chimbo (now called Chinibo). From this latter point to Sibambe is 

 only 15 miles in a direct line, but the distance by the railroad (as laid out) will be 

 50 miles, and upon this section there will be a rise of 7727 feet. 



I have no information as to the direction in which it is proposed to carry this 

 line (after passing Sibambe) beyond that which is furnished in the Report from Mr. 

 Alfred St. John (Quito, July 14, 1891), where it is stated that " a French syndicate 

 has obtained a concession from the Equatorian Congress for the purpose of carrying 

 the railway from Chimbo to Riobamba, and eventually to Quito, but thus far the 

 French financiers have been unable to raise the necessary funds. Should a satis- 

 factory arrangement be made by the Equatorian Government with the bondholders 

 for the settlement of the foreign debt, British capitalists might inquire into the 

 feasibility and probable profitableness of such an undertaking, but before embarking 

 into it very sound guarantees should be exacted." 



The line has not yet arrived at Sibambe ; and, should it ever do so, it will come 



