shaded by the noble forest trees. But we had not reached Las Millas before the sky was overcast; the clouds became black and gloomy, and at length broke out in rain. We galloped fast, for the day, besides being rainy, was cold; and in the afternoon reached Las Millas. Here we breakfasted in the little portico, which we preferred to the interior of the cottage, chiefly upon tortillas and boiled tejocotes, a fruit which grows in great abundance, and resembles a small apple. Here again were two Indian girls of admirable beauty, dans leur genre, baking tortillas. We were now obliged to part from our kind German friends, and to ride across the plains. But we had not gone more than half way, when the clouds burst forth in torrents, pouring their fury on our devoted heads, so that in five minutes we were all as drenched as if we had fallen into a river. We took shelter for a little while, under a solitary spreading tree, but the storm increased in violence, and it was advisable to gallop forwards, in order to arrive at el Pilar before it became dark. Suddenly, the most beautiful rainbow I ever beheld, smiled out from amongst the watery clouds. It formed a complete and well-defined arch of the most brilliant colors in the heavens, reflected by another on the plains, which, uniting with it, blended its fainter hues with the light of the heavenly bow.
We arrived at el Pilar tired and drenched, and greatly in need of the hospitable reception which was given to us by its mistress.
The following morning we set off early for La Gabia, feeling some regret that our journey was drawing
