The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-01-31
Tricking A Rascal.
A MEXICAN STORY.

A MEXICAN STORY.
A 6dy of fortune, living in the city OF
Mexico during the latter days of the 0ccupa.
tion of Mexico by the Spanish, owing 70
some combination of circumstances, found
herself in difficulties, and in mediate want
of small sum of money. Don-beine
her godfather, and a respectable merchant
she went to him to state her necessities. and
offered him case of valuable jewels as a
security for repayment, provided he would
advance her eight hundred dollars. At the
end of few months, her temporary difficult
ties being ended, she went to her god. fathers
house to repay the money and receive back
her jewels. The man readily received the
money, but declared to his astonished god.
! daughter that as to the jewels, be had never
| heard ofthem, and that such transaction had
taken place. The sonora, indignant at the
merchants treachery, instantly repaired to
the palace of the Vice King, hoping for jus
tice from this Western Solomon, though un.
able to conceive how it could be oh.
tained
She was instantly received by Revillagi-
gedo, who listened attentively to her account
of the circumstances.
Had you no witnesses?' said the Count.
'None,' replied she.
did no servant pass in or out during the
transaction p
mo one.'
The Viceroy recolected a moment.
Does your godfather smoke p
No SIR said the lady, astonished at thi'
irrelevant question, and perhaps the NOR,
so as the Counts aversion to smoking wa.
so well known, that none of his smoking
subjects ventured to approach without hav
ing taken every precaution to deaden any
odor of the fragrant weed which might lurl
about their clothes and person.
"Does he take snuff? asked the Vice
roy.
Yes, your Excellency," said his visitor
who probably feared that for once Hi
Excellency,s wits were wool gathering.
That is sufficient said the Viceroy re
tire into the adjoining chamber, and keel
quiet-your jewels shall be restored
His Excellency then despatched messen
ger for the merchant, who Immediately pre-
sented himself
I have sent for you, said the Viceroy
that we may talk over some matters il
which your mercantile knowledge may
of use to the State.
The merchant was overwhelmed with graft
tude and joy while the Viceroy entered in
to conversation with him upon various al
fairs connected with his profession. Suddenl
the Viceroy put his hand first in one pocket
then in the other with the air of ms VII
has mislaid something.
'Ah ? said he, my snuff box. Excuse IN
for moment while 60 and fetch it fror
the next room.'
Sir said the merchant, permit me
have the honor of offering my box to you
Excellency.'
His Excellency received it as if mechan
cally, holding it in his hand and talking
till, pretending some business, he went ou
and, calling on an officer, desired him
take that snuff box to the merchants heu:
asking his wife, as from him, by that tokel
to deliver to the bearer a case of jewels whic
he had there. The Viceroy returned to tt
apartment where he had left his hattere
) guest, and. remained in conversation wit
him until the officer returned, and, reques
ing private speech of the Viceroy, delivere
to him jewel case which he had receive
from the merchants wife.
Revillagigedo then returned to his ia
complainant, and under pretense of showir
her some rooms in the palace, led her in
one, where, among many objects of vslu
the jewel case stood open. No sooner h,
she cast her eyes upon it than she start
+. forward with joy and amazement. The vi
eroy requested her to wait there little Ion
er, and returned to his other guest.
Now said he, before going further
wish to hear the truth concerning anoth
affair in which you are interested. Are y
acquainted with the Senerade-'
Intimately, sir-she is my goddaug
ter
Did you lend her eight hundred doll,
at such date p
Ibid.
Did she give you case of Jewels
a pledge?'
r Never = said the merchant, vehement
t 'The money was lent without any securit
$ merely an act of friendship, and she has
d vented story concerning some jewels, ,whi
: had not the slightest foundation
$ In vain the Viceroy begged him to refe
y and not, by adding falsehood to treache
VI force him to take measures of severity. I
!. merchant with oaths persisted in his tleni
e The Viceroy left the room suddenly, and
z, turned with the jewel case in his hand
d which unexpected apparition the astonisl
merchant changed color, and entirely
r, his presence of mind. The Vceroy ord
ed him from his presence, with a severe
). buke for his falsdhood and treachery, and
order never again to enter the palace.
is the same time he commanded Him to s.
him, the next morning, eight hundred {
Or lars with five hundred more which he
and which were, by the Viceroy's ord
distributed among the hospitals. His
A. celency is said to ihave added a severe
primand to the lady, for having made a
,e gain without writing
A Shrewd Wife.