JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA. 



95 



test, and fixed their eyes upon us, as if disposed to resent 

 any interruption. We, however, hastened to avoid them 

 by a circuitous movement. A little further on, near the 

 edge of an extensive copse, we saw two deer. On 

 descrying us, they pricked up their ears, and for a mo- 

 ment gazed without moving. Then stamping with their 

 fore-feet two or three times, they bounded away, and dis- 

 appeared in the copse. 



At an early hour in the evening, having arrived at an 

 estate called Sapote, we resolved on passing the night 

 there. Here, by some unaccountable mistake, I took the 

 owner of the property, who was residing on it, for the 

 steward, and, in consequence, was not quite so ceremoni- 

 ous in my manner towards him as he had a right to ex- 

 pect. Not satisfied with his admitting us into the house 

 to pass the night, I desired him to order a couple of fowls 

 to be killed for our use — intending to pay for them — 

 which was accordingly done. In the mean time, Mr. M., 

 in his conversation with this gentleman, had learned the 

 truth, and hastened to apprise me of my mistake. I was 

 confused and mortified beyond expression ; to offer any 

 apologies would only aggravate the matter ; so I tried to 

 make amends by an extreme of modesty and respectful- 

 ness in my deportment. 



This estate was not quite so large or valuable as that of 

 Don Joaquin, but there were some large plantations on it of 

 maize and nopal, besides live-stock in abundance. 



Soon after resuming our march on the following morn- 

 ing, we crossed the Empa a second time. The ford was 

 rather deep, but was passed without accident. We con- 

 tinued to meet with numerous herds of cattle and horses, 

 and here and there a cultivated field', but no villages, or 

 houses, except one or two miserable rancherias. Coming 

 in the course of the morning to another estate, called la 

 To?na, we were induced to stop there, in order to get 

 some chocolate prepared for our breakfast : a supply of 

 this article having been furnished us by Don Jose. On 



