On the following morning we had to rise before three o'clock, and so were obliged to give up visiting the Celestial Cathedral of Puebla.

Away we thundered through the deserted streets, and suddenly came to a dead stop. A little alarm, lest we had “come to grief,” like poor Mr. and Mrs. G––, was quickly dispelled by discovering the cochero had dropped his cloak; so the conductor had to go with a lantern, hunting in the streets for it. The horses fidgetted, the passengers grumbled, the time (as it has a habit of doing) sped on; but presently the conductor arrived and brought with him the lost treasure, and off we rattled again to the east, to meet the morning.

We rolled along on the elevated table-land, feeling a little cold, and particularly sleepy. We arrived at last at Amozoque, which is said to be swarming with robbers; but we were so fortunate as to see none. From this place you ascend by a very gentle inclination, to the summit of the separating ridge beyond Perote. Boldly and proudly towered the great mountain walls of the table-land.

The next relay was at Acajete. At one of these places we tasted some spring water, said to be wonderfully fine, but we did not think it so very remarkable. It is reported that a large gang of ladrones conceal themselves often among the ravines and barrancas of the Acajete mountains.