WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 



73 



heard from him all the particulars connected with 

 us. Fresh horses were brought by one of the 

 peons, whilst our guide changed his dress and 

 put on a better poncho. It has already been 

 observed, that this part of the habiliment tends 

 to point out the station of life of him who wears 

 it : it is due to our guide to make known that his 

 was a very good one, confirming his respect- 

 ability and the good character given of his 

 honesty by the officers at Arauco : we can only 

 add that, with the essential service of guiding us to 

 the consul (which we trust will be the foundation 

 of relief to the shipwrecked crew), he has shown 

 us the most christian-like kindness and attention, 

 entitling him to the friendly appellation of " old 

 Camilo," instead of "our guide.'' Taking leave 

 of his kind family, we crossed the river Cacam- 

 puqune and came to a few scattered ranches, 

 named, after an old Spanish fort in its vicinity, 

 Fuerte viejo Colerico." Here we were intro- 

 duced to a Chilian senorita, a pretty brunette, 

 gaudily dressed, and informed by " old Camilo " 

 that we should stop at her house for the night, 

 and, by starting the next morning early, should 

 most probably reach Concep9ion in good time, 

 as we were only ten leagues from it. Gratified 



