Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/190

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162
PICTURES OF LIFE IN MEXICO.

sary's tongue, and usually proves the conqueror, in consequence—if he does not previously expire of his wounds.

By this time, the evening hour is drawing near, and as a large concourse of all classes of people still linger on the ground, a good opportunity is afforded for observing one or two recreations of a minor character. The proprietors of dice-boards and monté tables forthwith begin to attract the attention of the throng; ragged Indians flock in crowds to expend their last granos in intoxicating aguardiente, or stand in groups scrutinizing the performance of dancing-girls; tradespeople and rustics of a better class form parties to dance the fandango; and the owners of fondas and refreshment-stalls in the neighbourhood are in expectation of a profitable harvest.

A lively group, figuring in the national dance to the sound of a guitar, attracts our attention at once. A pretty-looking girl with small hands and feet, dressed in a white cotton frontlet, flowered reboso, striped dress and sandals, is one of the principal figures; and a tall, dark youth, evidently her lover, is stationed opposite. The movements of the fandango appear to consist in inclining the head