Previous experiences with these simple people of the mountains had taught me how superstitious and easily frightened they are, and wishing to gain some information from them as well as something to eat, I let the point of my iron shod paddle strike a rock, at the same time saluting them with 'buonos dias mis hermanos,'-- good day, my brothers.

The men sprang to their feet and turned around at the unexpected salutation.

Then a wild yell rang through mountain top and ravine and they dashed away like a pair of frightened deer.

At every hail for them to stop they only redoubled their efforts to escape and soon disappeared up the ravine.

I sat down and made a breakfast off the provender they had left behind and enjoyed it as I never enjoyed anything before.