disease was first introduced by a negro slave of Navaez, and
killed out millions of the population of Mexico, the
unfortunate Aztecs tried to treat it with cold water. Oddly
enough, when, some years ago, the writer was travelling in a
part of Mexico where smallpox was prevalent, it came to his
notice that this system is still followed among the Indians,
as they allege, with good results.

The old woman looked up and saw me. "Si, Senor Inglese," she said with a
ghastly smile, "_viruela, viruela!_" and she went on gabbling something
which I could not understand.

"She say," broke in Antonio, "nearly quarter people dead and plenty
sick."

"For Heaven's sake, let us get out of this," I said to Emma, who, seated
on the other mule, was staring horror-struck at the sight.

"Oh!" she said, "you are a doctor; can't you help the poor things?"

"What! and leave you to shift for yourself?"

"Never mind me, Dr. Therne. I can go on to the _hacienda_, or if you
like I will stay too; I am not afraid, I was revaccinated last year."

"Don't be foolish," I answered roughly. "I could not dream of exposing
you to such risks, also it is impossible for me to do any good here
alone and without medicines. Come on at once," and seizing her mule by
the bridle I led it along the road that ran through the town towards the
_hacienda_ on the height above.