Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/190

162 tongue, and usually proves the conqueror, in consequence—if he does not previously expire of his wounds.

By this time, the evening hour is drawing near, and as a large concourse of all classes of people still linger on the ground, a good opportunity is afforded for observing one or two recreations of a minor character. The proprietors of dice-boards and monté tables forthwith begin to attract the attention of the throng; ragged Indians flock in crowds to expend their last granos in intoxicating aguardiente, or stand in groups scrutinizing the performance of dancing-girls; tradespeople and rustics of a better class form parties to dance the fandango; and the owners of fondas and refreshment-stalls in the neighbourhood are in expectation of a profitable harvest.

A lively group, figuring in the national dance to the sound of a guitar, attracts our attention at once. A pretty-looking girl with small hands and feet, dressed in a white cotton frontlet, flowered reboso, striped dress and sandals, is one of the principal figures; and a tall, dark youth, evidently her lover, is stationed opposite. The movements of the fandango appear to consist in inclining the head