irrepressible, had screwed its courage to the sticking-place and would not down. My only hope was in Cosme.
Things moved pleasantly enough for the first few days, in which Cosine charmed us by his kindness and watchfulness of the premises. I let him have his own way, about the manner in which his various labors were performed. I remained away from where he was, and not once had the dreaded expression fallen from his lips within my learning, prior to our trip to Palomas. "The things which try people show what is in them." It so proved with Cosme.
Business called us to Palomas for a day. It was settled that we should go in a carriage drawn by a spirited pair of dark mahogany thorough-breds, which had never been known to let anything pass them but a mozo.
Cosme was up betimes on this particular morning. He was more nimble and ready than ever before, in contemplation of the pleasure of an airing in the country. He gave his own characteristic toilet many extra touches. He washed his face and combed his hair, and even borrowed the blacking, in order, as he said: ''Para dar negro a las botas" ("black his boots "). So excited was he that he partook of little breakfast. The gray dawn silently melted into bright streaks of purple and amber, and the gorgeous rays of the sun threw a genial halo over the quiet city, as he made his happy preparations. When the mozo is promoted to the honor of an equestrian, his name changes to that of "peon de estribo" ("slave of the stirrup"). This will better describe Cosme's services on this occasion than to be known as simply a mozo. His was no ordinary service.
Custom requires the mozo to lead the way for vehicles, to look out for intruders, ward off interlopers, and to be on hand in case of accident. During long journeys, where the travelers camp out, or stop in mésons, the mozo goes ahead and arranges for the accommodation of the entire party. Not even a drive within the city limits, is contemplated without the mozo leading the way, although every route is thoroughly understood by the driver. He is to be relied upon in his representation as to the safety or expediency of any route or méson.
