ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC 
I 5 I 
released. This, of course, is not right, and yet, for the vigorous — many 
times lawless — irresponsibles that crowd into a country that is just 
awakening, as Mexico is, some such law is an absolute necessity, or the 
anemic population would be crowded to the wall, or wiped out. There 
are many provoking things about the Mexican laws; for example, if a 
lumber team should run over and kill a native, the authorities in their 
anxiety for witnesses, and to place the responsibility, are apt to arrest 
not only the drivers of the team, but all the rest of the gang, and for a 
time look with suspicion on everybody connected with the lumber busi- 
ness. 
The afternoon wore slowly away, and it rained harder every minute. 
At last came supper and then bed. Here, as elsewhere, folding canvas 
DEL CORT2. — ROAD THROUGH RUBBER. 
cots were the only beds used, and while they are superior to an earthern 
floor, they do give one a crick in the back. Still we were thankful for 
our many mercies, and settled down to sleep. One by one the dim oil 
lamps were extinguished, and all was quiet except the monologue indulged 
in by one guest who was somewhat inebriated. The Major reasoned 
with him, begging him to go to sleep, which at last he did ; but the 
relief was only temporary, as he soon began again, talking in his sleep. 
Just as, used to this, we were dozing, a sudden crash shook the house — 
a guest had fallen out of bed. The Major told him what he thought of 
such carelessness, and what he would do if it happened again, and once 
more quiet reigned. For a short time only, all was still, and then 
