The latter were sometimes ridden, but rather as a feat than a pleasure.

The largest flock belonged to the queen.
By the time I had so far mastered the language as to be able to converse without much difficulty, the queen had fully regained her health.

This result--which was of course entirely due to temperate living and regular exercise--she ascribed to my skill, and I was in high favor.

She made me a cacique and court medicine-man; I had quarters in her house, and horses and servants were always at my disposal.

Had her Majesty's gratitude gone no further than this I should have had nothing to complain of; but she never let me alone, and I had no peace.