Mariposa Democrat., 1857-10-01
(ooNMuNcATED
A Legend Of the Monte Real.

In the mining districts of Mexico, travellers
are often entertained with the recital of legends
which, although differing in every feature from
those wild traditions attached to the ancient,
feudal, decaying castles of Europe, are never
theless not devoid of interest
1t is firmly believed by the Mexican miners
that great treasures were hidden during the
invasion of Cortez and that the secret of their
location, as well as the position of extensive
and rich placers, has been handed down from
generation to generation of the Indian tribes,
and that these secrets are known and kept to
the present day. The following legend will il
lustrate these remarks:
Long before the Mexican revolution, and
whilst the Viceroys Of the King of Spain yet
sat in security on the viceregal throne, there
dwelt in an Indian village near the Monte
Real a priest whose kindness of heart and
strict attention to the duties Of his Office en-
deared him to all ranks and ages of his par
ishioners Simple in his habits, and removed
by his position from the more onerous con-
ventionalties of society, he passed his days
in tranquility and peace.
He was very fond of writing, and the In
dams from time to time supplied him with a
certain shining dust, which he generally ap-
piled to his ink to perform the duty of sand.
At length happening to write to an acquain-
lance in the city of Mexico, his correspond
ent, in his answer, congratulated the padre on
his success since, as he observed, man
could not but be wealthy who sanded his wri.
ting with gold dust.
This revelation startled the priest. Every
means was employed to induce the Indians to
disclose their secret, but all to no effect One
day deputaton of his parishioners waited on
the priest padre; said they: Your children
have for some time noticed your extreme rest
lessness and anxiety-we love you've are
sorry to see you so suffer in mind and body.
Our secrets we cannot reveal to you, but for
your sake we are ready to compromise.
Blindfolded we will conduct you TO place
where treasures are hidden; you shall be al
sibly carry, but remember, this is the only
time we will break those solemn engagements
which only our affection for you induced us to
violate for white man."
The priest consented. Blindfolded and con-
veyed on the shoulders of Indians, he was car
ried into gorge Of the mountain, and there
ushered into cavern When the bandage
was removed from his eyes, he beheld himself
surrounded by such countless treasures as at
once confounded his senses and dazzled and
sickened his imagination Now" said his
principal conductor, "load yourself with gold
and jewels quickly; we will then re-convey
you to our village, and remember that as this
is the first, so it will also be the last time we
Weld to so much weakness" On his return
homewards, the Cure contrived to detach the
beads from his rosary, and to drop them occa-
sionally in the road Judge of his chagrin,
when, on arriving at his domicile, young In
dian presented TO him nearly all his beads.
The youth had picked them up, supposing
them to be dropped accidentally.
The demon of avarce entered into the bo-
som of the priest. He gave information to
the authorities in Mexco-a commission was
sent down-art, menace, the denunciations Of
religion, the cord, the rack, burnings, were re-
sorted to, to induce the people to reveal their
secret, but all to no purpose. The village was
depopulated, but the Indians kept their faith.
B..