Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/37

Rh render it impossible for the wayfarer to perceive the road very far either before or behind him. Glancing backwards over his shoulder at one of these points our arriero perceived a whole herd of wild and heavily armed men hastily approaching. A moment's consideration convinced him that these were ladrones; and their quick movements and threatening gestures sufficiently testified their hostile intention toward himself. On they came with cries and imprecations; calling upon him to stop if he had no wish to find himself at the bottom of the nearest precipice, with a dozen rifle-balls lodged underneath his jerkin.

The arriero's ingenuity and presence of mind here again served him in good stead. Instead of flying from them or betraying the least fear on their approach he turned towards the band with a placid countenance and held up his hands to intimate his satisfaction. He then gave them to understand that he had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the troop, and would be gratified to share with them the treasures in his possession; that he admired the wild life of the freebooters, and