Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/309

Rh his resemblance to one of the lower animals seemed, on the whole, complete. This creature during an engagement would keep the utmost distance, but seemed to riot with the wolves and vultures over the field of battle afterwards; preying on and plundering the bodies of both friends and foes after death.

Several efforts had been made by the Americans to capture this notorious rascal and his comrades; who were the means of exciting the most vindictive feelings in the invading camp against the Mexicans generally. At length the soldiers on both sides endeavoured to apprehend them as common enemies: hitherto they had attempted it without success.

One dark night—shortly after the army of General Scott had taken possession of Vera Cruz—the priest above mentioned had been called, in the exercise of his vocation, towards the western outskirts of the town. He had set out in his carriage, accompanied by his attendants, and was returning at a late hour in the same direction, when he was alarmed by the sight of a fire and several torches on the road before him. He despatched several of his attendants in a stealthy manner, to learn the cause of the lights and tumult, straining his eyes