1. A Luckless Rich Man

The man lay on his back under a tree in Chapultapec Park. The toes of his patent leather shoes pointed toward the sky.

The first person to see him was a boy of thirteen years, walking that Sunday morning with his parents and little sister. "Look, Mita!" he cried over his shoulder to his sister. "A rich drunk."

"Carlos!" said his mother. Then, as the boy strode forward, "Don't wake him."

"Calo," said Mita, running after her brother. "What is that red thing around his waist?"

"It's called a cummerbund," said the children's father. "Now, get back here, both of you!"

"No no no," said Carlos, suddenly walking backwards and extending his arms to stop his sister.

"Flies!" squealed Mita, staring as if hypnotized.  "And the cummerbund is blood!"

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