Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/544

524 horse; nor do I know how long I might have been deprived of the use of my arm, had I not discovered an admirable remedy for rheumatism in the Maguey brandy given to us at the Jărāl. I moistened some flannel with this spirit, and had the arm rubbed until excoriation was produced, which had the effect of entirely relieving the pain, and of even removing all stiffness in the course of a few days. We found at Săn Ignācĭŏ one good "adobe," (hut,) which was given up to us with great good-humour by the inmates. It only contained a single room; but of this, by the help of the canvass curtain, we made two, which were exactly large enough to contain five mattresses. The rest of the party slept al fresco, and most bitterly did they complain of their lot, for a colder night was, I believe, seldom felt. Two of our carriage-mules were brought in at San Ignacio, by a Văqūerŏ, but of the other six we could obtain no tidings; indeed, they were never heard of more. In order to prevent such serious losses in future, all the animals were confined in a corral, where they were supplied with maize, and bundles of dried grass, which we all worked hard to collect. In the morning, notwithstanding our precautions, Mr. Martin's horse, with Dr. Wilson's, and one of mine, dashed off on to the plain, with their saddles, bridles, and other accoutrements. They were closely pursued by some of the Rancheros with their lassos, but these men not being well mounted could not overtake them, and the whole group were soon out of sight.