Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/215

Rh especially those youths who have but lately entered the prison—and his hints and directions will doubtless be largely followed, on the first occasion of his hearers being at liberty.

Two men, bathing in the fountain in the centre of the yard, have been performing feats of swimming and agility in the water; and one competitor has so entirely outstripped the other, that the vanquished party has lost his temper—or, rather, his usual savage disposition has gained a horrible ascendancy. Seizing his late companion in his arms, he forces him down, notwithstanding the vigorous kicking and plunging of his antagonist, whose head he holds under water to drown him;—assuredly, were it not for the somewhat tardy intervention of the officers, his atrocious purpose would have been speedily effected, amid the laughs and jeers of the reckless mob around them.

The emaciated object yonder, who has been chosen umpire of a dispute between two or three players at monté, was once a gentleman of wealth and station: boxes at the opera, horses and equipages, ladies' smiles, servile attendants, luxurious feasts, and superb mansions, have all been at his service. Unfortunately, however, he had an ardent passion