Page:The Overland Monthly, volume 1, issue 1.djvu/19

 yards in advance. All these were armed with carbines, slung across their backs, and a profusion of smaller weapons at their belts. Bold, trusty fellows they looked, with their picturesque national costume and substantial trappings, evidently meant rather for service than for show. Ina country where all are riders, these men had been noted for their daring and skillful horsemanship. They sat their steeds with admirable grace and steadiness, and it was observed that they never for a moment turned aside, but looked straight to the front as the little cortege passed rapidly along. To these four brigand-looking riders, whose swarthy faces seemed all the more sinister under the broad brimmed sombrero which shaded their gleaming eyes, were entrusted during several hours each day the lives of the Emperor and Empress. And they proved to the last worthy the charge confided to them, while the people were pleased with this exhibition of confidence in their own countrymen.

To be armed when traveling, for ever so short a distance beyond the walls of Mexico, is and always was prudent for even ordinary persons, but for a ruler, be he Governor, Emperor or President, it is a necessity. For the capture and holding for ransom of an Emperor and Empress by a band of swift mountain guerrillas, was worth all the risk of the undertaking. Carlotta and a few lady attendants were once saved from such a fate as she was riding without guards near Chapultepec, by some Indian women who had experienced her charity, and the little party had barely time to escape the half dozen robbers who lay in wait for the carriage, and whose whereabouts was indicated by the poor creatures who always addressed their good patroness by the familiar but endearing name of "Niña."

Maximilian and Carlotta often appeared in public. They usually occupied the barouche alone; but sometimes the remaining seats were filled by their guests who had been invited to dine at Chapultepec. The little troop as above described, upon issuing from the grand entrance of the palace, opening upon the Plaza, drove past the Cathedral, generally down the Calle de los Plateros and thence to the western gates of the city. Towards evening, the streets of Mexico are generally thronged. Then the heat of the day has subsided, and all the world is either on the sidewalks for a pasear, or gazing from the balconies upon the moving panorama beneath. If Mexico can ever be seen or fully comprehended, it is then.

The passing of the Imperial carriage, though almost of daily occurrence, was an event, and a particularly pleasing one to the Mexicans. The pace was always a rapid trot, the clattering of so many ringing hoofs, and the rumbling of the heavy English vehicle, of course attracting general attention. Thousands of hats were removed, the Emperor continually lifting his own and bowing right and left, so as almost to keep up a constant swaying of the body to and fro. The salutations were addressed apparently to none in particular, but to the crowds who filled the streets. If any gentlemen were seated with him in the vehicle they remained uncovered while running this gauntlet of extreme politeness, but the popular greetings were returned by royalty alone.

The Emperor as he passed swiftly by had the appearance of a tall, handsome, gentlemanly person, with a particularly frank and cheerful expression, a deep blue eye, light curling hair, and looking—owing perhaps, to the grave responsibilities he had assumed—rather older than thirty-three, which at this time was his age. He dressed in the extreme of fashion. His apparel, which was generally that of a civilian, was always handsome and if in uniform, showy; and there was about him an air of elegance and scholarly culture well becoming his fine person; for Maximilian enjoyed the