We rose to a man; and sallied forth into the street.
It was still early. The pavement was crowded with pedestrians.
I can only justify what followed, by stating that there had been
terrible provocation. I had been myself more than once the victim of
verbal insult--incredulous that it could have been so meant.
One and all of us were ripe for retaliation.
We proceeded to take it.
Scores of citizens--including the swells, that had hitherto disputed the
path--went rapidly to the wall: many of them to the gutter; and next day
the _banquette_ was left clear to any one wearing the uniform of "Uncle
Sam."
The lesson, followed by good results, had also some evil ones. Our
"rank and file," taking the hint from their officers, began to knock the
Poblanos about like "old boots;" while the _leperos_ finding them alone,
and in solitary places, freely retaliated--on several occasions
shortening the count of their messes.
The game continuing, soon became perilous to an extreme degree. In
daylight we might go where we pleased; but after nightfall--especially
if it chanced to be a dark night--it was dangerous to set foot upon the
streets. If a single officer--or even two or three--had to dine at the
quarters of any remote regiment, he must needs stay all night with his
hosts, or take the chance of being waylaid on his way home!
In time the _lex talionis_ became thoroughly established; and a
stringent order had to be issued from head-quarters: that neither
soldier nor officer should go out upon the streets, without special
permission from the commander of the regiment, troop, or detachment.
A revolt of the "angels," whom we had by this time discovered to be very
"devils," was anticipated. Hence the motive for the precautionary
measure.
From that time we were prohibited all out-door exercise, except such as
was connected with our drill duties and parade. We were in reality
undergoing a sort of mild siege!
Safe sorties could only be made during the day; then only through
streets proximate to the respective _cuartels_. Stragglers to remote
suburbs were assaulted _sub Jove_; while after night it was not safe
anywhere, beyond hail of our own sentries!
A pretty pass had things come to in the City of the Angels!