CHAPTER VIII

.—Magnificent Views of Scenery—“Relox del Sol”—John

Jones and Antiquities—An “Alarm;” Revolvers and a Rescue—Distant Bells—Don Pedro Blanco—Managua—Another Grand Entree—Our Quarters—Supper Service—Enacting the Lion—Virtues of Aguardiente—An “Obsequio,” or Torch-light Procession in Honor of the United States—A National Anthem—Night with the Fleas—Fourth of July and a Patriotic Breakfast—Saint Jonathan—Leave Managua—Matearas—Privileges of a “Compadre”—Lake of Managua—A magnificent View—The Volcano of Momotombo—A Solitary Ride—Geological Puzzle—Nagarote—The Posada—Mules abandoned—A Sick Californian—Dinner at a Padre’s—The Santa Annita—Virtues of a Piece of Stamped Paper—A Storm in the Forest—Pueblo Nuevo—Five Daughters in Satin Shoes—Unbroken Slumbers—Advance on Leon—Axusco—A Fairy-Glen—The great Plain of Leon—A “touch” of Poetry—Meet the American Consul—A Predicament—Cavalcade of Reception—New Illustration of Republican Simplicity—El Convento—A Metamorphosis—The Bishop of Nicaragua—Forest, Miss Clifton, Mr. Clay—Criticism on Oratory—Nine Volcanoes in a row—Distant View of the Great Cathedral—The City—Imposing Demonstrations—The Grand Plaza—A Pantomimic Speech and Reply—The Ladies, “God bless them!”—House of the American Consul—End of the Ceremonies—Self-congratulations thereon—A Serenade—Martial Aspect of the City—Trouble anticipated—Precautions of the Government, 201

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