The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-07-21
A s.ory orlae Perar.an nlne..


4 story orthe Peruvian Hines.
The Indians are said to be aware
+ Of the existence Of many rich silver
mines in Peru, the situations of which
they wHl not disclose TO the whites,
Just as our Indians are said to con
ceal the existence OF gold Ia the
village Of Huancayo there lived,
some wears ago, two brothers named
Yriarte, who were the most prosper
+ Gus mice owners in Peru Having
obtained some information that in
the neigLboring mountains there
were silver veins, they sent . young
man in their employment to ascer-
tain the truth.
Tie agent lookup his abode in the
cottage Of . shepherd, and knowing
the jealous character Of the Indians,
he carefully Fefrained from alluding
to the object Of bis visit. After a
shert time an attachment arose be-
tween the young man and the shep-
herds daughter, and at length be
Confded to her bis desire TO know
were the silver can be found. The
girl promised to show hin the posi-
tiau Of a very rich mine. One day,
when she was gong out 10 charge Of
the sheep she told him to follow at
a distance, and to notice the spot
where she would let fall. rs if bv ac-
cident, her mantle. On turning up
the earth at that place, She assured
him he would End the entrance 70 a
mine.
The young man followed her direc-
tions, aud, after digging for a little
time, be discovered o mine Of con
siderable depth, containing rich ore.
Whilst busiiy engaged in breaking
out the metal be was Joined by the
girls father who affected to be surpris-
ed at the discovery, and offered to
assist him. After they had worked
for some hours. the indian offered bis
companion 4 cup Of drink, which the
other had no sooner tasted than be
felt convinced he had been poisoned.
He snatched up the bag containing
the metal be had collected, mounted
his horse, and galloped of with the
utmost speed to Huaneay0 There
be related to his employers all that
had occurred, described as accurately
as be could the situation of the mine,
and died on the following night Ac-
tive measures were Immediately tax
en- TO apprehend the Indian and his
family, but without effect, fer they
had disappeared, and slI traces Of the
nine were lost
In HgaEcayo there resided 4 Fran
ciscan friar, who was much addicted
to gambling q very common vice in
those mining districts. He got into
great difficulties in money matters.
The Indians in the neighborhood Of
his dwelling were much attached to
him, as be was Of kind and gener-
Gus disposition, and they frequently
sent him presents Of poultry, cheese
and butter
One day, after he had been loser to a
considerable amount at the gambling.
table, be complained bitterly of his
misfortunes to an Indian who was
particularly attached to him. Af:er
some delIberation, the Indian remark
ed that be might possibly be able to
assist him, and on the following
evening be brought him a large box
full Of silver ore. This present was
several times repeated, and the friar
was curious to find out where the
treasure was obtained He accord |
inglv pressed the Indian so closely. I
that the latter consented to show him |
the mine from which the silver was
produced, and on an appointed night /
he came with two Of his friends 70 /
the house of the friar. They blindfold- I
ed him. and each Of them, in turn, !
carried him on their shOlders a dis
tance of several Leagues into the
mountain passes. At length they
set him down, and the bandage being
removed from his eyes, be discovered
that he was in q small aud somewhat
shallow shaft, and was surrounded
by bright masses of silver He was
to take away as much as be
could carry, and when laden with the
rich prize, be was again blindfolded
and conveyed back in the same man
ner as he had been brought to the
mine.
Whilst the Indians were conduct
ing him home, be unfastened his rO-
sary and dropped the beads at inter-
TaIs along the path, hoping by this
means to find his way back to the
mine on the following morning, but
il the course Of an hour or two after
home, the Indian knock
ed at the door, and giving him hand
fuI of beads, said. "You dropped your
rosary on the way. father, snd l have
picked it up" You may be sure after
this attempt TO cheat his generous
friends, the friar got 10 more silver
rom them