A POST-HUT. 



153 



life, and instead of a pillow and blankets, has a 

 saddle for one, and his horse- rugs for the other ; 

 carrying the sheets between the saddle and the 

 rugs, when he rides, — according to the custom 

 of the country. 



We were to have started early this morning, 

 but during a sleepless night in this fowl-be- 

 ridden, flea-biting place, I had time to reflect 

 how heavy the short double-barrel gun was 

 with which I had set out ; and the result was 

 that I determined to send my servant back to 

 Buenos Ayres, to change the weapon for a 

 lighter one. For this object my servant, and a 

 gaucho, galloped off* at daylight ; and when they 

 reappear we shall proceed to the next post, 

 which is said to be a better place to pass the 

 night at. 



The sun has been all day extremely hot, and 

 we have been unwilling to leave the shelter 

 h 3 



