Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-08-25
CHAPTER TX.
Cato at q Fandanco.

On the Gale San Sebastian a few SQUARES dis
tanl from the Grand Plaza AZ chihuahua, there
was situated, some three years ago, / long row of
houses one story in height. built usual OF TN
/ burned brick, plastcred md whitewashed. There
at least dozen ,cnements in this row, all of
which wero occupied by the lowest class OF Mexi-
cans generally known among the Gnle ricans by
the name of ''greasers." The interior of these
buildings presented a wretched appearance; a few
blankets in corner of tho room, a number of
earIhcn water jars and one or two old dry hides,
which answered for mattresses, were the only ar
tices Of use visible. The walls were adorned
with numerous small engravngs, or miserably
executed paintings, representing saints, angels,
r'1Crtyrs, and tho Virgin Mary. A prominent
place vas always reserved for the figure of Santa
Maria del Gaudaloupe, tho guardian saint of all
patriotic Mexcans.
In one Of these rooms, upon The smooth, earthen
floor, a number of persons were dancing the kuna
to the inspiring sound of a cracked violin and
Mexican guitar. Songs and shouts al times arose,
and the energetic stamping Of feet and clappng of
hands, might have been heard a square distant.
1t was an assembage which the Americans would
style % regular break down fandango.''
In the middle of the floor, surrounded by some
half dozen females and as many men, stood Win
fields servant, Cato, or, as he delighted in being
styled, Sylvanus Cato Epamnondas Winfield.
He was the lion par excellence Of the evening and
was treated with The greatest difference and con-
slderatlon. Negroes, particularly those from the
States, are great favor,es among the lower classes
of Mexcans. They are aware that the blacks are
mostly slaves, and think hat as matter of course,
they must be enemies of their masters and op-
pressors. Cato was perfectly at home. The
women admired his fine form and the whteness
of his toeth, whilst the mon, with marked admi-
ration, gazed upon the swelling muscles of his
powerful limbs. The party around Cato were
endeaVoring TO prevail upon him to waltz-but,
reel, or cut double shuttle in real " Kentucky
STYLE" he couldn't waltz-he hadn't taken lessons.
. Lor' a nifty, gals" said Cato, as earnestly as
If they understood every word he uttered, can't
waltz ...-- r...-.. - ..
Isl, signor," they persisted. " waltzey.'
" Waltz, de debbil,' replied our dark friend,
testify, bu, I'll tell you what dis child can do
up brown-he's death on a hoe-down. | say dar,
ole felIer wild de banjo, strike up Jim Crack Corn"
The musical man with the banjo, thus addressed,
opened his mouth wide, and looked up at the tall
negro with astonishment. ..- q
"What you 'stonished at?'' asked Cato "didn't
you neber see colored gemman afore Why
don't you play up? Do you want me TO eat you!'
AT each of these interrogations, Cato advanced
one step, rolling his eyes and disorting his fea-
lures in manner frightfu to behold. .,..
g No nterndez, senor,' faltered the terrified
Mexican. .t-., ......... ..... ,. .
You don't intend to, you obstropolus Mexikin
you, hey? didn't pay my two bits to come in here
for nuthin', so strike up-if you don't III make you
dance. ..f ....t -.
All this no doubt would have highly amused and
edited the Mexicans present, if they had UNDER
stood English. AS for the musician, he did net
like Cato's looks, so he from the pile of
blankets upon which he was seated, and edged off
towards the door. -.5.,..... ..
Sc Look heah.'' said Cato, as he followed him,
" aint you goin' to give US dat dar tune 90
mo comprendez, V. M answered the man
of music. ~ s.t. ..f;
"No comprehendez, hey! Well, I'll jist give
you lesson fust, and you raise de tune arer."
With these preliminary remarks, Cato very
coolly pulled off his coat, rolled up his shirt sleeves,
and knocked the Mexican down.