Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-14

Mexico had a fine view of
Il La Nevada, the volcano of Toll
uca. One hot day--the eve of
fiesta or HOLIDAY determined to
make an attempt to climb to the top.
Pope was an errand boy who
haunted the patio of the residency. I
had persuaded him to leave his post
for three days and risk timself-and
his mule-with me, in my dash" to
the peak.
Pepita, the mule, was introduced to
me by Pope in the patio of my house
on the morning of the expedition. To
look at. Pepita was much like any
other Mexican mule; meek and lazy:
but she had a little trick-best seen at
a distance-of twitching her left hind
leg, like an animal bother by a fly.
Somehow, the moment ! saw her l
sensed trouble.
Pope. suppose we really need the
mule?" / said. I'VE haven't much to
carry: here's my blankets, already
rolled, and the camera, and the field
glasses, and my automatic, and We'll
take the little old accordion, as you're
SO fond of music, and don't forget the
brandy flask. Now, do you think we
really need your mule? You might
lose her"
thing" answered Pope, solemnly load
ing Pepita.
So away we started.
Keeping the smiling mountain in
view. our road was broad and plea sa mt
for while, being q well paved paseo
or promenade shaded by aspen trees
All too soon we came into the open
country, where our path dwindled to
a rough cart-track. Presently we fell
into single file. / leading, then Pope
pulling at Pepita, who wanted to
browse on the succulent cactus
Presently a huddle Of houses rose
before us abruptly in the heat haze.
and we.found ourselves in a struggling
street of dirty mud-brick dwellings.
Emerging safely, we descended a slope
cleft by a ragged gorge. where great
lizards baked themselves on the stones
and blinked at me, meanwhile per.
forming their astonishing tricks
catching flies, changing color or van.
ishing like flashes of light.
A sharp rise brought us into a Sec
ond village, Tlacotepec. Here. on
Pepe's advice. ] agreed TO halt for "A
meal and TO look out for good Indian
guide.
WE pushed our way through the
w circle Of curious villagers who
had collected and took refuge in a
rough sort nf inn. While Pepe re-
manned in the stableyard with the
mule. / took my refreshment at a
small table decorated with knife cuts
One of a noisy rabble of men at the
wine counter staggered across to me.
SO fascinated was ! by his repulsive
face. which was SCARED very much
like the table--only more greasy
that | felt poWerless to move.
In fash the drunken r,ffiiar
whipped out a knife, slit the leather
strap at my shoulder. and caught ul
the case OF field glasses as it slipped
to the ground
"IIola. q twin telescope" he ex
claimed. Permit me, senior" and he
squinted through them. "Por dos
caballero, what a long way your tele
scope reaches
why, yes" agreed, still seated al
the table. And I have another thing
here that will reach quite as far" and
] dropped my hand to my coat pocket
How the rabble fell back at my
gesture, The braggart, grinnins fool
ishly. lurched toward me with tn,
binoculars. At the same moment
caught sight Of pepe's startled face al
the door.
Thanks. my man." I said, "bu'
have the kindness TO hand them tC
my mozo there. Take this. too
Pope" ] added. drawing the auto
matte from my pocket and tossing il
TO him. Il shall not need it now"
Relieved Of the coveted telescope
by Pope (who was bold enough now