WITH A GALE OF WIND. 



Ill 



gage and provisions was now arranged to be 

 carried by the peons, and it was curious to see 

 with what exactness they adjusted them as to 

 weighty and the good natured jokes they passed 

 with each other on their having to become mules 

 themselves in the morning. It was really a plea- 

 sure, under such trying circumstances^ to see 

 how well they agreed with each other^ and how 

 contentedly they submitted to the drudgery al- 

 lotted to them. I question whether as many of 

 my own countrymen, moving in the same sphere 

 of life as these humble peons^ would have tra- 

 velled so far^ undergoing the same difficulties and 

 privations^ without having a few disagreeables 

 amongst them. The arriero issued out two 

 days provisions^, consisting of two small pieces 

 of chaqui or dried beef^ (more resembling tough 

 leather than animal food,) and two small loaves 

 of bread ; this was all their allowance. Every 

 thing now being prepared, we lay down to rest, 

 but could not sleep, for it blew a heavy gale, 

 with a bitter cold wind. I expected every mo- 



