out of the bosom of her blouse a young pigeon which
opened its beak in suffocation, said:

"To tell you the truth, I brought this medicine for
the gentleman here, but they say he's got a doctor, so
I suppose--"

"That makes no difference, Panchita, that's no medi-
cine anyhow, it's simply something to rub on his body."

"Forgive this poor gift from a poor woman, senor,"
said the wrinkled old woman, drawing close to Demetrio,
"but there's nothing like it in the world for hemorrhages
and suchlike."

Demetrio nodded hasty approval. They had already
placed a loaf of bread soaked in alcohol on his stomach;
although when this was removed he began to be cooler,
he felt that he was still feverish inside.

"Come on, Remigia, you do it, you certainly know
how," the women said.

Out of a reed sheath, Remigia pulled a long and
curved knife which served to cut cactus fruit. She took
the pigeon in one hand, turned it over, its breast up-
ward, and with the skill of a surgeon, ripped it in two
with a single thrust.

"In the name of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph," Remigia