It was six o'clock when we came out upon a slope where the trail was easier and almost level, and it was after dark before we reached the first hut of the miserable _ranchito_ of Tepanapa.

Checking our horses, we called, but received no answer.

Sending our _mozo_ to the house, we asked for food and shelter, but were refused everything, as they said that they were in bed.

A little lad, however, agreed to show us to the next hut, and we followed him as well as we could in the darkness and over the slippery road, some rods further.

We found there two empty huts within an enclosure, and, taking possession of one, brought in our things out of the mist, and soon had a fire built and a candle lighted.