THE BOY WITH THE SMILE (1898) It is doubtful whether the common people of any country are so rarely surprised, or taken unaware, as those of Mexico.

At a moment's notice, the commonest indian, who may have scarcely been outside of his own town in all his life, may start to go across the country.

Astonishing incidents appear to create no more surprise in their minds than the ordinary affairs of every day.

In January, 1898, we revisited Cholula.
As we alighted from the street-car we noticed a boy, some fourteen years old, whose most striking characteristic was his smile.

He wished to serve as guide, to show us the pyramid, the convents, the chapel of the natives.