HONDA. 173 



the canoe the contrary way, which passed 

 from under my feet, and I fell into the water. 

 I still held fast by the branch, and was for 

 some time bobbed up and down by its elas- 

 ticity, whilst I devoutly prayed that the 

 alligators might resist so unusual a tempta- 

 tion. I was, however, assisted into the ca- 

 noe without further accident than a good 

 ducking. 



On arriving at the town of Honda, we 

 received much attention from a stranger 

 named Marcellino Ferario, whose house I 

 entered, mistaking it for a posada. I walked 

 in briskly, enquiring whether we could have 

 breakfast there. ** Certainly, Sir," was the 

 reply, in a tone that induced me to look 

 more attentively at my host, whose dress 

 and appearance did not indicate the class 

 I expected. I immediately said, I fear 

 I have made some mistake : is this a po- 

 sada — No, Sir," said he, "but you are 



