ARRIVE AT BUSTAMENTE. 



207 



house. I was rather astonished to find^ stuck up 

 on a board before one or two houses on the 

 road, Ale and porter sold here." It served to 

 remind me, that it must be pretty well fre- 

 quented by my own countrymen. Next morn- 

 ing at daylight, my friend and I took a cup of 

 coffee together and separated, he for Valpa- 

 raiso, and I for the capital of Chili. Being now 

 left entirely alone, I began to reflect on the 

 state of the Pampas; and, if I should miss 

 Captain G. what was to be done? However, 

 there was no alternative ; Indians, or no In- 

 dians, monteneros or not — go, I must. So, I 

 pushed on to overtake my peon, whom I had 

 sent forward with my luggage, and about noon 

 arrived at Bustamente, a house of refreshment, 

 where I had the finest asado of mutton I ever 

 tasted. After taking my siesta, I proceeded on 

 again at three, and soon arrived at the second 

 cuesta,^ which took us an hour and a quarter to 

 ascend. On arriving at the top, it blew^ a gale 



Cuesta signifies, a steep ascent. 



