Soon after the funeral procession had disappeared, I started with Doctor Echeverría for the courtyard of the International Club, where the bull-fight was to take place, prepared for the sensation of my life. I wished to see this relic of Spanish medievalism, yet dreaded somewhat the expected artistic display of killing qualifications. Two bulls were to be killed.
CHAPTER XIV
The Bull-Fight
We arrived at the amphitheater a little before four o’clock and found everything cheerful and lively as befitted the occasion. Men and boys came in rapidly, took their seats, lighted cigarets and began to call out and joke with one another in a manner characteristic of the Spanish bull-fight audience.
The arena was a square space located against the side wall of a brick house and enclosed on the other three sides by board fences about six feet high. Opposite the brick wall and commanding a good view of it, a platform had been built for the common multitude. On another side of the square was a similar platform containing boxes for the alcalde (mayor) and aristocratic few, including ladies. On the fourth side a skeleton fence had been constructed apparently for the benefit of children who could see but could not pay; in our thrifty country the wall would have been built so as to prevent the children seeing through it. The doctor and I occupied chairs among the common multitude and had the best location, for it commanded a view of the boxes and of the two doors of the bull pen beneath. On each of the four sides of the arena, and about eighteen inches from the fence or wall, was built a strong wooden screen wide enough to conceal four men standing side by side. Thus wherever the fighters might be they were always near a place of safety.
Plaza de Toros.
Feliz Año Nuevo.
GRAN CORRIDA PARA EL DOMINGO, ENERO 1º DE 1905.
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