Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/37

Rh by me, with the curse of disappointed villany upon his lips.

"There is another on our track!" exclaimed my attendant. "The plundering rascals! But no—blessed Mother!—now he turns away, discouraged by the ill success of his companion."

We had, indeed, narrowly escaped being corded like a couple of packages, thrown down, and robbed on the highway; for this second ruffian had doubtless intended to secure my fellow-traveller, had his comrade succeeded in rifling my person and saddle-bags.

This system of lassoing in the public streets of the capital is still pursued; although the authorities pretend to prohibit riding on horseback at night, that the practice may be suppressed, and endeavour to persuade people that mounted videttes are posted at the corners of the streets for the same purpose. The crime and negligence continually lying at their doors are woful: yet they have the assurance to give out that every precaution is taken to prevent the depredations of both ladrones and léperos. But the governors of Mexico are ridden by the priests: it is not to be expected that either watchmen or officers will do their