PREPARE FOR CROSSING THE PAMPAS. 257 



through San Luis the same day that I passed for 

 Mendoza ; we had put up at the same house to- 

 gether. 



Finding there was no fear of the Indians^ I 

 decided upon proceeding ; and wishing to travel 

 with speed, I accordingly engaged the courier and 

 a trusty peon^ in both which instances I was 

 singularly fortunate, for it happened to be the 

 same courier whom I had before met on the Pam- 

 pas, and who had kept company with us for three 

 days, also the same peon had just arrived from 

 Buenos Ayres, who had crossed with me before : 

 of course 1 did not hesitate instantly to engage 

 them both, but was obliged to pay a high price, 

 as they were alarmed at the reports of the state 

 of the country. On Christmas Day I took out my 

 passport and post-house license, leaving to my 

 peon to procure sugar, mate, &c. for the Pampas. 



The governor (to whom I was obliged to go 

 and have my passport signed) was at a bull- 

 fight, given by three ladies of distinction at 

 Mendoza, in honour of the day ; and much did I 



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