A MOLINA. 



145 



saw the molina or wheat-mill, looking like a New- 

 England factory. The descent was very steep and 

 muddy, winding in places close along the precipitous 

 side of the ravine. Great care was necessary with the 

 mules ; their tendency was to descend sidewise, which 

 was very dangerous ; but in the steepest places, by 

 keeping their heads straight, they would slip in the mud 

 several paces, bracing their feet and without falling. 



At dark, wet and muddy, and in the midst of a 

 heavy rain, we reached the molina. The major-domo 

 was a Costa Rican, a countryman of Don Saturnino, 

 and, fortunately, we had a room to ourselves, though it 

 was damp and chilly. Here we learned that Tecpan 

 Guatimala, one of the ruined cities we wished to visit, 

 was but three leagues distant, and the major-domo of- 

 fered to go with us in the morning. 



Vol. II.— T 13 



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