Notwithstanding the poor way in which they had done their work, the policemen struck, declaring that they would not bring others until they had been paid.  It was plain the town needed a lesson.  We promptly paid the demand made upon us, and, then, calling the presidente and the secretario, we told them that we must have a receipt for the payment to show the jefe.  We said that such a thing was unheard of; that, for town officials to demand pay, before they would agree to obey the order of their chief, was mutiny.  At first they flatly refused to give the receipt, but after a little consultation were anxious to return the money, and threats were freely made to throw the whole police-force into jail.  We said that this was not our desire; we were surprised at the demand, but, having met it, we insisted upon having our receipt.  A meeting of the town authorities being held to consider the matter, our request was again refused, but attention was called to the fact that some subjects were waiting outside to be measured and photographed.  I thereupon refused to measure or photograph any person until my demand had been met.  I showed them, clearly, the position in which they had placed themselves; I stated that when they had done a wrong, and a stranger demanded an official statement of the case, their duty was simple and clear.  By this time my own party was in arms; photographer, plaster-worker, Manuel, all were scared.  They insisted that our throats would be cut that night.  They called attention to the ugly manner and black looks of the town authorities.  They declared that we had better flee, while yet there was opportunity; they insisted that they had not left comfortable homes to be murdered in cold blood; they begged that I would, at least, retreat from the position taken, and consent to measure the subjects who were waiting.  I assured them that it was far more important to teach the town a lesson regarding their duty to their higher officials, than to measure a few indians.  Finally, after hours of uncertainty, black looks, mutterings, and refusals, the town capitulated, and the receipt was in my possession.  Having gained my point, I called the attention of the town officials to the bearings of the case.  I emphasized their duty to the jefe.  They knew, quite well, that it was out of place to demand money for obeying his order; I stated that I appreciated whatever work the policemen might have done, and that, in due season, I might have recognized it by a gift, but that demands were quite another thing.  I showed them how important it was, that, when trouble rose between them and a stranger, they should furnish any statement of the case he might, in justice, ask.  Having stated the matter fully, I consented to receive back the money, and tore up the receipt much to their relief.

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