MAKING FREE WITH A HOST. 69 



reau, and chairs. In the centre of the room and in the 

 windows hung cages, handsomely made and gilded, 

 containing beautiful singing-birds of the country, and 

 two fine canary birds from Havana. This was the resi- 

 dence of two bachelor brothers, who, feeling for the 

 wants of travellers in a country entirely destitute of ho- 

 tels, kept a door always open for their accommodation. 

 We had candles lighted, and made ourselves at home. 

 I was sitting at a table writing, when we heard the 

 tramp of mules outside, and a gentleman entered, took 

 off his sword and spurs, and laid his pistols upon the 

 table. Supposing him to be a traveller like ourselves, 

 we asked him to take a seat ; and, when supper was 

 served, invited him to join us. It was not till bedtime 

 that we found we were doing the honours to one of the 

 masters of the house. He must have thought us cool, 

 but I flatter myself he had no reason to complain of any 

 want of attention. 



