The National tribune., 1882-01-21

must have been, to Judge from his 1oOks-ar
Indian, or half-breed 1 should fancy. The ser.
vice was slight enough on our part; but we hap
pened to save the life of his only surviving great
grandchild, or something of the kind; and he
took quite liking to us in consequence. To
make short story of it, we told him we should
travel in New Mexico and had thought of going
to Gran Quivira He seemed little disturbed
on hearing this, as you, Mr.. Tate, also appear to
be; but on the last night of our stay in his vii
lage, he told us secret about the place.
"And what was that ?" interrupted Tate, who
was listening with unabated interest.
at was. that there was a smaller chapel, an
outlying spot, attached to Gran Quivira, but ly-
ing a few miles off-that for fear of the troubles
which actually came, the ornaments and plate
had been removed there, and there buried. He
gave us the landmarks necessary to identify the
place."
"Ay, and what may those landmarks be?" de-
manded Tate, in such ll-disguised calmness that
Gerald was again somewhat startled
II have not the chart with me-" he said $50
doubt if I could tell you where the real position
is; but must add in candor, Mr.. Tate, that l do
not think should feel at liberty to inform you,
even if | had it,"
"If you had it," echoed Tate. II calculate
there's no doubt about that"
"There's none, Mr.. Tate" returned Gerald,
with something of sternness in his own voice.
II have it not and have told you So"
The conversation was kept up for some time,
the subject apparently having the greatest at
traction for both Tate and Jose.
r,,r,, Of o,,r roo1orS hava haord do,,btJacc
of Gran Quivira and its buried treasures, it will
suffice to say briefly that at this place. which is
situated in Socorro county, New Mexico, lying
about ninety miles from Santa Fe or one hun
dred and twenty from the border of Old Mexico,
there was once a rich church and monastery.
When the Spaniards left Mexico, the people rose
in most districts, and slaughtered or drove out
the monks, as fellow-countrymen with those
from whom they had suffered so much. (New
Mejico-was a part of Mexico
in those days. the reader will remember.) At
Gran Quivira, the monks were not unpopular, as
they had been kind to the people around them;
and as they were charitable and skillful as
doctors, the populace spared them; but, assem-
bling in vast numbers, contented themselves
with utterly destroying the buildings, allowing
the brethren to escape to the city of Mexico
The monks left accordingly, as no better might
be done; but as they were not permitted to take
anything with them, they buried within the
church the massive plate of which they had an
immense quantity, then repaired to Mexico, and
there deposited record, to be used in better
times, which explained that they had concealed
ten thousand pounds, IN peight of gold and silver
plate and ornaments.
The church was utterly destroyed and razed;
he better times never came to allow the return
If the monks, and in the lapse of time the
springs or stream wao1 s.z5I Gran Quivira
ound other chan aaIs. So taa. rs strict became
erid, and unfit for be 1agcrt OF uman beings,
,r even cattle. I.i.., .v...,.~ - had great in
luence in checking the search for these treasures
he existence of which was as absolutely believed
n as in the existence of Mexico itself.
Gerald was resolute believer in this concealed
wealth; and Tate, although he ridiculed and
neered at almost every proof the young man
'fered was yet too acutely interested to hide |
lis real feelings on the matter sullen and guarded
S he was on ordinary occasions. 1t was plain |
le believed in it also; and Gerald suspected him |
f desire to pick quarrel on the subject, so |
eated and insulting did he grow. Elkley, |
Though a young man, was yet too old cam
aigner to play his opponents game when ex- /
osed in so glaring manner, so became more
uarded as Tate waxed loud or sarcastic. Whether
e at last saw this, or of his own accord altered
is tone, Gerald could not decide; but after a
7hile Tate half muttered some contemptuous
ejoinder, and left the room abruptly, calling
ose to accompany him to the stable.
Directly he had gone, Annie, who had latterly
cen silent, now spoke. "Mr. Elkley," said the
irl with great impressiveness, II think it would
,deed be well for you to leave as soon as pos
bile. will arrange for Jose to drive you down
ne Creek tomorrow, and shall be glad to know
ou are at Three Waters City, and quite away
om here"
1t would be a hollow pretense, indeed if
:gned to understand that l have in some way
lused you-and Mr.. Tate also-great uneasiness
y speaking of my plans tonight" returned
erald. You must surely see that I cannot
uess why this is so, and should be glad to
* D
"Do not ask" interposed the girl decisively.
suppose that all over the world in every
ome, there are some things which are better
ot inquired into; and this may be one of them.
} long as you do not think me unkind in thus
urrying you away D
Think you unkind!" exclaimed Gerald.
The only unkindness you could be guilty of
ould he to Susnect mo of o,ob q foaI;,o To- ! .