228 MINE OF SAN PEDRO NOLASCO. 



only blessing fortune had allotted to them, which 

 was rest from their labour. They said nothing to 

 each other ; but as they sat upon the sheep-skin, 

 whicli was the only bed they had, some fixed their 

 eyes upon the embers, while others seemed to rumi- 

 nate upon other objects. 



I gave them what brandy I had, and asked them 

 if they had no spirits, to which they gave me the 

 usual answer, that miners are never allowed to have 

 spirits, and with this law they seemed to be per- 

 fectly satisfied. 



When one contrasted their situation with the in- 

 dependent life of the Gaucho, it was surprising 

 that they should voluntarily continue a life of such 

 hardship. 



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