Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/186

158 altercations are heard, mingled with the clatter of staves, screams, and laughter; pushings and arrests occur momentarily; and, at last, shouts of exultation proceed from every side.

A trumpet sounds, folding-doors are thrown open, and every neck is strained to view the scene, as a bull is led in—a stout, powerful, young beast, in all the pride of unsubdued strength; the sharp tips of his horns have been cut off, but he still looks sufficiently formidable. The matadores and picadores come thronging in their gay costumes, in great numbers and high spirits, mounted on rather small horses, blindfolded; and bearing lances in their right hands, and red mantles on their left arms. There are a few matadores on foot; and, though they endeavour to brave it manfully, a shade of uneasiness may be detected in their eyes as they glance on their huge enemy; and a tinge of envy, also, as they gaze upon then mounted comrades.

The signal for the attack is given; the bull is let loose; and bending down his head and lashing with his tail, the animal makes a furious onslaught. A cloud of dust arises, notwithstanding the precautions against it—that bull's tremendous charge would raise