Page:The Galaxy, Volume 5.djvu/713

1868.] before, had been occupied by the votaries of Terpsichore. These had simply stood to one side; suspending the dance to witness an interlude, that might end in death! Even the women, including Luisita herself, remained among the spectators!

Under the torch light the two men took stand, about six feet apart, in the centre of the cleared space. Each had drawn his macheté; and held it in his right hand—the left, with the arm up to the elbow joint, appearing swollen to elephantine dimensions—the appearance being produced by the serapé rolled round it to serve as a shield.

Soon commenced a series of thrusts, passes, and guards, given in a manner less scientific than skilful, through constant practice with the weapon.

Fire flashed from the eyes of the combatants ; sparks from the steel blades of their machetés; and now and then came shouts of applause from the circle of spectators, as one or the other exhibited some feat of daring or dexterity.

Neither could be called a slouch at sword exercise; but of the two, Carlos was evidently the more dexterous in the handling of his long hunting-knife; and I watched, expecting every moment to see him bury its blade in the body of his antagonist.

No one thought of interfering; no one seemed armed with sufficient authority. There is none such present at the social gatherings of the Jarocho; and quarrellers, like Carlos and Juan, are left to decide the issue between themselves and their seconds.

In this case, victory declared in favor of Carlos. A skilful parry, followed by a quick thrust, enabled him to reach the shoulder of his antagonist. As his blade came back, its point was seen to be colored crimson; while, at the same instant, a spurt of blood reddened the white batista shirt, over the spot that had been pierced.

The shield arm of Juan fell loosely along his side; and the spectators now interfering, the combat was brought to a close without having its dénouement in the death of one or the other—a result by no means rare in the duels of the Jarochos.

I was curious to know how the quarrel affected the feelings of the Señorita Luisita. In ten minutes after, she was once more upon the arena, where the strife had taken place, tripping it on the light fantastic toe, the eyes in her head and the cocuyos in her hair, shining as lustrously as ever!

As on this occasion I had the pleasure of being the partner of the pretty poblana, I took the opportunity of asking her which she had wished to see win.

"Ni uno, ni otro,^" was the response, in significant sotto voce; which, had Carlos overheard, might have cost me, also, a thrust from his macheté.

I left the fandango profoundly impressed with this strange scene of Jarocho life; and not slightly interested in the "lady of the cocuyos." From that day, scouting in the vicinity of the Jamapa River became with me a favorite occupation; and I lost no opportunity of taking my troop in that direction.

So charmed was I with the manners of these picturesque—and, I might add, poetical people—that I could have pitched my tent among them for life,

But fate willed it otherwise; and now, in the home of a high civilization, I cannot help drawing a disadvantageous comparison between it and the simple "savagery" of the Jarochos.