Page:Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala.djvu/47

CH. II.] he added, were as honest fellows as any to be found in Mexico. I told him I was quite of that opinion myself, and Don Mateo coming up, and asserting his belief of the fact, we were all agreed, and became such good friends that I told Don Mateo to ask him to join us at breakfast, which the officer declined.

I was surprised to see my companion, shortly after, very busy amongst the muleteers, who were again harnessing the poor animals before they had scarcely time to refresh themselves. My horse was ready, and Don Mateo nodding to me to mount, I proceeded into the open road, on which the sun was now shining with all the dazzling and oppressive splendour of its midday career. About four miles on, there stood, in the centre of our path, a magnificent specimen of vegetation, of which I could not learn the name, but very similar to the English oak, and as large as almost any specimen of it to be met with. "We must take our siesta here," said Don Mateo,