visible. On one of these, that projected
obliquely over the water, the dragoon fancied he could perceive the
figure of a man. On closer scrutiny he became certain it was the figure
of a man, and the bronze-coloured skin told him the man was an Indian.

Looking further, he observed another apparition equally singular.
Through the fork of the second _ahuehuete_, appeared a face with a
complexion black as ebony. It could be no other than the face of a
negro.

Here, then, were three distinct types of the human race met in this wild
spot. Why he was himself there, Don Rafael knew well enough; but what
had brought the Indian and negro into such a place, and at such an hour,
was what was now puzzling him.

Without saying a word, he stood watching the movements of the two men,
in hopes that the event would furnish him with an explanation. Soon the
entire bodies of both negro and Indian appeared in sight, as the two men
crawled outward on the overleaning limbs of the trees; but still more
plainly, as, hanging by the branches, they let themselves down till
their feet dipped in the foam; and swinging there, appeared to go
through a series of the most grotesque contortions! The sight made the
head of the officer to swim, as if suddenly struck with vertigo.

Thus engaged, neither of the two perceived Don Rafael, though he was
standing upon a spot of open ground immediately below them.

For his life, the officer could not guess the nature of these singular
proceedings. He concluded that some object--unseen to him--was engaging
their attention; and he could not help fancying that it was some nymph
of the waters, whom the negro appeared to be wooing, to judge by his
impassioned gestures and animated physiognomy.

The large mouth of the darkey was open from ear to ear, displaying his
double row of white teeth set in the most winning smile; while ever and
anon he stretched his neck out over the water, as if the object of his
regards was hid under the shining sheet of foam!

The Indian was acting in a similar fashion, but with a more serious
expression of countenance, and greater dignity of manner.

The officer carefully scrutinised the whole surface of the cascade; but
he could see nothing but the glistening sheen of the water, and the mass
of white foam where it broke over the rock.

At that moment the Indian made a sign to the black to cease from his
grimaces; and, letting go his hold with one hand, he swung his body