LA MULATA 257 



waters, we had some apprehension lest we miss 



our mark. Taking a course outside the Alacranes 



Keys we continued until the last one was passed 



and then turned directly in toward the mainland 



coast. Here we discovered a wide open bay of 



deep water, with shores wooded to the edge but 



with no sign of habitations. Skirting the circular 



shore line to locate any evidences of an opening 



into the forest we finally decided upon landing for 



a reconnaissance where some rocks projected into 



the bay. Here, to our delight, we discovered a 



path leading back through a semi-open country 



with patches of timber. Following this for about 



a half-mile we suddenly came upon a tienda, or 



little country store, of the most primitive kind. 



It was the only habitation in sight in the midst of 



a fine-looking country. The keeper of the tienda 



is a large, efiicient-looking man of few words. He 



looked us over in solemn silence and appeared to 



gather an unfavorable impression. When we had 



explained our raison d'etre and our aspirations for 



Guajaibon, he decided, though apparently against 



his better judgment, to have dealings with us and 



even to aid and abet us in the accomplishment of 



our object. Accordingly we were promised nour- 

 17 



