Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/96

76 At the gates of Mexico, the troops halted, and three enthusiastic cheers were given as the carriage entered. It was now nearly dusk, and the rain was falling in torrents, yet we met more carriages full of ladies and gentlemen which joined the others. We found that a house in the suburbs, at Buenavista, had been taken for us provisoirement by the kindness of the Spaniards, especially of a rich merchant who accompanied us in the carriage, Don Ml Mz del Co; consequently we passed all through Mexico before reaching our destination, always in the midst of the crowd, on account of which and of the ill-paved streets, we went very slowly. Through the rain and the darkness, we got an occasional faint lamp-light glimpse of high buildings, churches and convents. Arrived at length, in the midst of torrents of rain, Cn got out of the carriage, and returned thanks for his reception, giving some ounces to the sergeant for the soldiers. We then entered the house, accompanied by the Mexican officer, and by a large party of Spaniards.

We found the house very good, especially considering that it had been furnished for us in eight-and forty hours, and we also found an excellent supper smoking on the table, after doing justice to which, we took leave of our friends, and very tired, prepared for sleep.

The servants and luggage arrived late. They had been left with the diligence, under the guardianship of Don Miguel, and it appeared that the robbers had mingled with the crowd, and followed in hopes of plunder, insomuch that he had been obliged to