Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/23

Rh the flocks of wild-fowl which rise to the echo of his footsteps. Mingling among the crowded ferias; delayed by the passing of monkish processions; sharing the hospitality of village homes; dividing the amount of his scanty provisions with his mule; gazing in astonishment and awe upon the ruins of temples erected to the ancient Aztec gods.

Still the arriero urges onward—onward ever! trusty ever! hearty ever! Uncomplaining and enduring as the mule, his dumb companion: ever anxious to fulfil his engagement and to merit the confidence which has been reposed in him.

Now he approaches a deep ravine upon the great Rio del Norte through which for several miles the pent-up stream rushes in rapid torrents. Not even an Indian canoe can pass those deep-sunk streams; and the abyss viewed by a stranger from its top is wonderfully magnificent and fearful. The sides of the craggy precipices are in some places almost perpendicular; while in others they overhang, at a tremendous height, the furious current below. Here the river is broad, there it narrows to a rapid rivulet; at one point the rocks appear ready to fall on each other,