166 



NARRATIVE OP A 



before us of hill and valley, of plain and woodland, 

 where a village church might be distinguished, at inter- 

 vals, towering over a cluster of huts, or a hacienda em- 

 bosomed in a grove of palm trees, or a stream meandering 

 through a meadow, and glistening beneath the sun-ray. 

 Behind us, the city of Guatemala was distinctly visible, 

 with its surrounding groves and gardens, and its lofty 

 public buildings. In front, the prospect terminated in a 

 range of distant mountains, rising over each other till 

 they were scarcely visible in the horizon. Descending 

 these heights, we passed through a little village, without ' 

 stopping, and in about two hours after came to an estate 

 called el Carrizal, where we halted for the night. We 

 had travelled six leagues ; a distance that was considered 

 sufficient for the first day, especially as there was no cer- 

 tainty of finding a better resting-place beyond, or a shel- 

 ter from the rain, in case of our being overtaken by a 

 shower. 



The house was taken possession of in the same uncere- 

 monious way that I had observed on other occasions ; and 

 sentinels were stationed in military style. The servant of 

 Don Tgnacio, and a soldier whom I had been permitted to se- 

 lect from the escort, as an asistente, or attendant, made our 

 arrangements for the night. My hard and homely bed was 

 soon prepared for me ; but the couch of Don Ignacio was 

 a different affair. He had brought with him a neat little 

 field-bed, which could be put together or taken to pieces 

 in a few minutes. It was curiously complete and elegant 

 in its furniture and appurtenances, and was provided with 

 a mosquito net of the finest texture. Nor was this the 

 only cause of wonderment afforded me by my luxurious 

 fellow-traveller. He had also brought with him a sort of 

 portable cupboard, consisting of two good sized leather 

 boxes, connected by straps, so as to hang one on each side 

 of the mule. This article, called in Spanish almofreces, 

 was well stored, not only with a variety of provisions, but 

 with glasses, knives and forks, plates, and even a frying- 



