In spite of the commands of the _segundo secretario_, we started for the scene of the disturbance, but long before we reached the spot, met a big _topil_ with his head cut open and blood streaming down his face, soaking his garments.

His arm was thrown around another man's neck, whose wrist he held, dragging him thus a prisoner toward the jail.
Two others followed, holding a bad-looking little man between them.

The two had fought, and when the _topil_ tried to take them, the little man, seizing a rock, split open his head.

The two persons were thrust into the jail and a guard set.

Great effort was made to find the stone with which the blow was dealt, in order that it might be used as evidence.
The _secretario_ told the _topil_ not to staunch nor wash the wound.
With natural curiosity, the _presidente_ and other men were clustered around the jail, looking in at the prisoners, when the _segundo secretario_ ordered them from the door.
This man is a strange one.