Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/52

28 "'Not fair! not fair!' shouted Perata, who never meant to make good his offer. 'He did not touch the fire: I must see it fairly done.'

"Again the poor fellow stooped before the stove; and all eyes were turned upon him searchingly. He thrust his hand into the flame, and held it there for a moment: the pain seemed to produce a faintness; and with deep groans of agony he fell helplessly to the ground.

"We all, excepting' Perata, repented that the frolic had been carried so far, and gathered about him in concern. Raising himself upon one elbow after a short time, he motioned us aside that he might have more air; we drew off a little from him, and in a moment he started to his feet, rushed round the table, to the place where the yet untasted platter of stew was standing with two tortilla cakes beside it, seized greedily upon them all, and darted swiftly in the direction of the door.

"One of the cooks hastily snatched up an iron ladle, and hurled it after the crafty delinquent, upsetting the priest's servant in the act, as well as a dish of boiling chilé on the top of