Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/129

Rh horseman rode hastily in the direction of the contending parties. It was the proprietor of the Naqua plantation; and his appearance seemed to infuse new vigour into the ranks of his devoted labourers. He made his way immediately to the leader of the opposite party; and calling upon both classes of combatants to desist he demanded a parley for mutual satisfaction.

For a short time the rival planters entered into conversation for the ostensible purpose of bringing matters to an amicable conclusion. Both gentlemen however, were too inflammable and exasperated to listen either to reason or argument; and, as neither would yield in the least to the other, nothing came of the consultation, beyond a number of alleged grievances, and a volley of the most abusive epithets.

"If I am a thieving lépero," exclaimed the first, "thou art a blood-sucking-zopilote—always buzzing-over the concerns of thy neighbour, to prey on his destruction."

"Dog-of a tobacco swindler, I defy thee!" was the prompt reply.

"Wretch of an alacran, I fear not thy sting"!" exclaimed the other.