166 



INCIDENTS 



OF 



TRAVEL. 



pie Stock of tea, coffee, chocolate, and a few rolls 

 of Bolonchen bread (like all the bread of that coun- 

 try, sweetened, and only made to be used with cho- 

 colate), we had nothing. Morning would break 

 upon us without materials for a breakfast. Sum- 

 mary measures were necessary, and I went out to 

 consult with the major domo and the Indians. They 

 had made a clearing near the horses, had their ham- 

 0moc^s swung under the trees, and a large fire in 

 the centre. All vacated their hammocks, and were 

 docile as doves until I mentioned the necessity of 

 sending immediately for provisions. Completely 

 the creatures of habit, used to ending their labours 

 with the sun, and then to gossip and repose, they 

 could not bear to be disturbed. Money was no ob- 

 ject to them ; and but for the major domo I should 

 not have been able to accomplish anything. He 

 selected two, each of whom was intrusted with part 

 of the commission, as one could not remember all 

 the items, and a written memorandum would, of 

 course, be of no use. There was one article, the 

 procuring of which was doubtful, and that was an 

 olla, or earthen pot, for cooking; no Indian had 

 more than one in his hut, and that was always in 

 use. Oar messengers were instructed to buy, hire, 

 or beg, or get in any other way their ingenuity 

 might suggest, but not to come back without one. 



Ileheved in this important matter, the encamp- 

 ment under the trees, with the swarthy figures of 

 the Indians lighted by the fire, presented a fine spec- 



