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