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Show 78 PERSONAl• ADVENTURES in their place by a simple but ingenious con-tn• v ance. As I have mentioned the se·rapa, it may be as well to describe it here. It is of cloth, of rich colour, and of the shape of an ordinary blanket, having a hole cut in the centre, parallel with the sides, and through 'vhich the head is passed. The Dons of California, bowever, do not wear them in this fashion, but, fixing one end on the right shoulder, cast the other gracefully over the left, allo,ving it to fall in natural and careless folds. At length, we returned to our quarters, where, in one large and comfortless room, were at least fifty men, sitting, crouching, and lying in every variety of posture, the principal number occupying the n1iddle of the apartment in the dust, and dirt, and damp, with their heads on their knapsacks, describing a circle, of which the common centre was formed by an accumulation of feet. This they called a round bed. The muskets and side-arms, the military hats, belts, and cartridge-boxes, were disposed wherever there was a vacant spot, IN CALIFORNIA. 79 and the whole scene was so uncomfortable to look at, that I regretted the rain prevented me from seeking repose under the outer palisade. I procured a log, and sat down upon it; and, though there was a great uproar, I suppose I fell asleep at last, as I remember suddenly starting to my feet at the report of a pistol. A number of us rushed out in the direction of the sound, and, hastening over a wooden bridge, thrown across a ravine that traverses the centre of the town, found ourselves in the midst of a desperate fray engaged between about twenty Spaniards and some of the old volunteer , who had been assaulted· by the forrner. These being very superior in number, were taking to flight, but, on perceiving us, gave a shout, and renewed the combat. Knives had been drawn on both sides, and some severe wounds inflicted ; and I do not know how the affair might have terminated, had not O'Reilly and Freiind come up armed with heavy stakes which they had wrenched from the brid ere 0 ' and begun belabouring friend and foe with • |