Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/205

Rh, when we were surrounded and attacked by a dozen ladrones, armed to the teeth. We had little in our possession worth stealing; but the robbers were evidently in need. On their first appearance the valorous José Pantido took to his heels, together with the Zambo; the latter escaping scot-free, while the former was knocked down and captured.

Stiazza and I made some attempts at resistance, effectually demolishing the sombreros of at least three of our opponents; but we were quickly overpowered by numbers. The rest surrendered at discretion—very quiet discretion, indeed. The vagabonds eased us of the little money we had on our persons; stripped us of our serapés, hats, and belts; took our wild-ducks and fowling-pieces—including the infernal machines; and then laid us, in no very considerate manner, upon the ground, and bound our limbs in such a way, that a considerable time elapsed before we could rid ourselves sufficiently to travel homewards.

On our arrival at the hamlet in the evening, I never saw grief and indignation more sincere than that of Señor Stiazza for the loss of