n red which
characterises the ante-twilight of the tropics. The short-lived storm
had swept the heavens, and the blue roof of the world was without a
cloud. The dark masses had rolled away over the south-eastern horizon,
and were now spending their fury upon the dyewood forests of Honduras
and Tabasco.

At our feet lay the prairie, spread before us like a green carpet, and
bounded upon the farther side by a dark wall of forest-trees. Several
clumps of timber grew like islands on the plain, adding to the
picturesque character of the landscape.

Near the centre of the prairie stood a small rancho, surrounded by a
high picket fence. This we at once recognised as the "corral" mentioned
by Don Cosme.

At some distance from the inclosure thousands of cattle were browsing
upon the grassy level, their spotted flanks and long upright horns
showing their descent from the famous race of Spanish bulls. Some of
them, straggling from the herd, rambled through the "mottes", or lay
stretched out under the shade of some isolated palm-tree. Ox-bells were
tinkling their cheerful but monotonous music. Hundreds of horses and
mules mingled with the herd; and we could distinguish a couple of
leather-clad _vaqueros_ (herdsmen) galloping from point to point on
their swift mustangs.

These, as we appeared upon the ridge, dashed out after a wild bull that
had just escaped from the corral.

All five--the vaqueros, the mustangs, and the bull--swept over the
prairie like wind, the bull bellowing with rage and terror; while the
vaqueros were yelling in his rear, and whirling their long lazos. Their
straight black hair floating in the wind--their swarthy, Arab-like
faces--their high Spanish hats--their red leather calzoneros, buttoned
up the sides--their huge jingling spurs, and the ornamental trappings of
their deep saddles--all these, combined with the perfect _manege_ of
their dashing steeds, and the wild excitement of the chase in which they
were engaged, rendered them objects of picturesque interest; and we
halted a moment to witness the result.

The bull came rushing past within fifty paces of where we stood,
snorting with rage, and tossing his horns high in the air--his pursuers
close upon him. At this moment one of the vaqueros launched his lazo,
which, floating gracefully out, settled down over one horn. Seeing
this, the vaquero did not turn his horse, but sat facing the bull, and
permitted the rope to run out. It was soon