Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/425

Rh, to our resting-place, wherever that might be. The mules and horses were then relieved from their loads, and driven to water, and to bathe, where there was any river near, after which they enjoyed their rest and food during the remainder of the day. At four in the morning, the lassoing and saddling began; for as the beasts were all loose in the patio, or in some immense stable, (where stabling was to be procured,) there was no other mode of securing them. This operation, in which my young companion Carrington, (who became very expert in the use of his lasso,) generally distinguished himself, occupied a couple of hours, after which the cargas were assigned to the different mules, the rest of the luggage affixed to the coach, and the whole party gradually put into motion. We lost a great deal of time during the first two or three days, from the want of a systematic mode of proceeding, the servants being new to their work; but as soon as they learned how to distribute it most conveniently, each took his own line; and, as we all assisted in making up the packages, it was curious to see the rapidity with which the rooms reassumed their desolate appearance after being enlivened for a time with a few symptoms of European civilization. I have seen a bed dismounted, rolled up, and transferred to a mule's back in less than five minutes, so that all our little comforts, in fact, created no material delay. There are few ladies, however, who would have had strength and resolution enough to give so good an example in