Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/220

192 haste from our side—his attention having been called to the trio of vindictive gamesters, who are screaming and tearing at each other at the opposite extremity of the yard. What dreadful imprecations and malicious gestures they employ! How savagely they bite and strike each other! It is well for the prisoner on the ground that there are keepers present, or his opportunities for future brawling would have been brought suddenly to a close.

Before the officer can return, a general scramble is made in the direction where we are standing; and we wonder what can be the intentions of such an ill-looking-herd of vagrants as rush towards us. They fall about our feet, and touch our clothes to gain attention. "By the mystery of the Holy Trinity!" they begin to exclaim. Ah! they wish to excite our charity; but the attendant keeper arrives at this moment, and they fall back cowed, swearing, and disappointed. We have by this time witnessed enough to satisfy us for the present, respecting the various and repulsive groups that throng the chief prison of the city of Mexico.