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CHILI. 



by striking against the edge, which is kept as 

 sharp as a razor, divide the tendon. The weapon 

 is then quickly transferred to the left leg, where 

 in like manner the least touch properly applied 

 divides the other tendon. We saw this cruel feat 

 performed by the principal guasso on our hosf s 

 estate, who was described as being the best rider 

 and the most expert man in that part of the coun- 

 try. The ground was very dry and dusty, so 

 that by the time he overtook the bullock he was 

 in chace of, there was such a cloud raised by the 

 animaFs feet, that we could scarcely see what was 

 doing. The guasso contrived, however, to cut 

 both hamstrings, but his horse becoming confused 

 fell over the bullock, and we were in considerable 

 alarm lest the man should be cut in two by his 

 own weapon, or be transfixed by the beast's horns : 

 but he never lost his self-possession, and having 

 first flung the instrument high into the air, raised 

 both himself and horse from the ground, and rode 

 out of the cloud unhurt, and without having ever 

 lost his seat. 



While this more serious business was going on, 

 a parcel of mischievous boys had perched them- 



10 



