Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/293

Rh from his native place, the relatives intending, on their arrival in the city, to share the good or ill fortune either might encounter, with the other. The different dispositions of the brothers, however, quickly shewed themselves in their new sphere; the elder striving, though for some time ineffectually, to improve his position, and the other finding his level almost immediately among the vilest and most dissipated of the poor population—which proceeding very soon caused a division between them. For some time they had lost sight of one another; but the younger at length became aware of the advancement in the fortunes of the other—soon calling upon him in the utmost distress, and finding relief—and though his habits were unreformed, and his circumstances were in the same deplorable state, he continued to present himself before his elder brother from time to time, and to levy an incessant tax upon him.

This worthless scapegrace would particularly visit the soldier in the morning before duty called him abroad; in the evening when his avocations for the day were performed; and even at the fonda which he used to frequent for his meals. His regards would become