North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-09-16
Miscellaneous.
From Ben.ley's Miscellany For July.
THE CONTRABANDISTA.
by CAPTAIN MEpwIg.

Evening had Just begun to set in, when
long train OF mules, heavily laden, obedi-
cot 10 the voice of their arrieos, stopoed
with one accord before the door OF venta
between CASTLE and Audalusia. The hos
tie was isolated, bat in spite OF its msera-
Ole appearance, was place Of great resort.
In front, rising TO considerable elevation,
was seen one of those wheels, called in In
dia Persian wheels, for raising water.
whose simple construction dates from the
tune OF the Moors, and whose machinery
IS set IN motion by mule, who blindfolded
keeps pacing in the same circle.
The caravan bad Just crossed the desc.
late plains of La Mancha, the monotonous
tract OF which is relieved by no species of
vegetation. They seemed enveloped in an
atmosphere oil dust and flame. Men and
beasts were covered with the red and argyll
laceous dust. and all expressed, each in his
own way, delight at having reached their
destination after the tolls of the day.
But the barking of half dozen dogs,
chained on both sides OF the door. was
the only welcome which the travellers re-
celved. No one passed the threshold to
do The honors OF the house and the may
oral, or head of the caravan, without an.
pearing the least surprised at this want of
hospitality, prepared TO make his way at
once INTO The house by the narrow pas
sage left between the Cerberuses.
Z" Gracias Diost" said he, leaping
nimbly from his palfrey, and walking
straight to wicket in the great portal Of
the vesla, which being already unbarred
ne led IN his horse, and all the mules fol-
lowed, one bv one, in the same order
which they had kept during the march.
and then like well-drilIed troop of drag.
oons, ranged themselves in line, their
necks outstreched, and waiting patiently
TO be relieved Of their burdens. The
mule-drivers, who had for natural securi,v
joined the convoy, closed the cavacade;
and az soon as they had all entered, the
door was as carefully shut and boted as
beiore,-for the night had now completely
closed in.
The description OF the interior OF the
venta will give an exact idea of the inns
IN Spain, or rather refugees as thew
might more properly be called. established
by the contributions of the pious, or by
the vanity of some high and mighty dons.
and which have often been compared to the
caravanseras OF the East.
This interior consists of single apart
ment, vast barn, whose rafiered roof
rests upon three ranges Of square stone
pillars. The light of day is only admitted
oy some openings cut out of the wall. re-
ssmbling loop-holes in a fortress, and these
so narrow, that at midday the eve must
De haoituated to the twilight before i, can
the objects within. Men, beasts
and their burthens, have all the same ac-
commodation and IL has often happened
that this spacious domicie has contained
more than hundred travellers. and double
OF triple the number Of mules and horses.
These latter are fastened on both sides oil
The wall. They are heard however. rather
than seen, for the windows, innoceo. of
glass, are so placed that the light can only
penetrate TO the middle of the room and
The two extremities are in utter darkness
Near the door are ranged the different We
hicles of the country, "galeras :" and here
and there about the pillars, the baggage
and trunks OF the diiferen, caravans are
disposed. Opposite to the door, in the |
midst Of little paved hearth, the Ere oil,