In these parts the traveller is often the victim of the _coup-de-soleil_.
Yonder comes the "_norte_" Along the northern horizon the sky suddenly changes from light blue to a dark lead colour.

Sometimes rumbling thunder with arrowy lightning portends the change; but if neither seen nor heard, it is soon felt.

The hot atmosphere, that, but a moment before, encased me in its glowing embrace, is suddenly pierced by a chill breeze, that causes my skin to creep and my frame to shiver.

In its icy breath there is fever--there is death; for it carries on its wings the dreaded "vomito".

The breeze becomes a strong wind--a tempest.