FINALES 231 



nosing about the tufts of grass. In front of some 

 of the bohios are a few flowering shrubs planted 

 for decoration. Usually about the houses there are 

 several small naked children, always a dog or two 

 of ferocious mien, some chickens, a few pigs and 

 cats, sometimes a goat, generally a parrot, and 

 not infrequently some gamecocks tethered to 

 stakes. 



Crossing from Tumbadero to Hermanos, a short 

 quarter-mile over the level valley floor, two of us 

 entered a bohio to beg a drink of water. A very 

 old woman greeted us with apologies that she 

 could not offer us coffee, as she possessed no sugar, 

 and coffee without sugar, we must know, is like 

 a soul without hope or redemption. She wished to 

 know where we came from. ' ' From Washington, ' ' 

 a place she had never heard mentioned, but, in 

 general, from the United States. "Holy Saints, 

 and how long does the journey take?" "Several 

 days." "God Almighty, and have you wives and 

 families there?" "Yes, most of us have." "Christ 

 Jesus and his Mother of perfect purity, have you 

 left them there alone?" "Yes," we guiltily con- 

 fessed, "we have, but we are determined to return 

 to them, come what may." "It is well," and she 



