IN PANAMA 
^39 
pages to tell of the fiesta that we gave the town, and of the bailc they 
gave us in return. At this bade the alcade played the first violin, and 
was accompanied by a mandolin, a triangle, and a native drum. All day 
long the whole population was shouting Viva Independence Estados 
Unidos! and. we in turn Viva Independence Panama! — while Amigos 
Americanos and Amigos Pana — something or other — were swapped 
back and forth most fraternally. 
Visiting the old Spanish mine, the Golden Cock, now being devel- 
oped by Americans, we learned from the natives that at times a golden 
cock crows, and then all the dead men killed by a cave-in during the 
INDIAN PACK BEARER. 
Spanish occupation, groan in concert. A golden bull that is somewhere 
inside of the mine also has a habit of roaring when certain calamities 
are due. 
From Las Minas came the journey to Pese, a town of some five 
hundred inhabitants. Here the Pioneer also had a store, and his home, 
where we were entertained most royally. We did not tarry long, how- 
ever, as the Prospector was already suffering from painful tropical 
boils, and it seemed necessary to get where there were physicians. From 
Pese we went to Chitre on horse or mule back — all except the invalid, 
who rode in a bull cart — and finally arrived at Innocentias Hotel. I 
