Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-12-12
now to know to whom 1 am indebted

| now to know to whom am indebted for this" he touched his shoulder. | It Is difficult affair to sift. Said the other thoughtfully I will however, See Barrera and get him to come and talk to you 5 methlng III the way of clew may be eliclted It is unfortunate that his enulty to Fernandez with re- gard to the Buena Esperanza is well known, and it Is HoubIy unfortunate that he should have gOne to the mine in that reckless manner"
 I should like" said Derwent, to know the true state of the case between Fernandez and himself Can you tell It to me?'
 In few words. was the reply Fer nandeZ, as you may imagine from the character of the man. IS the pliant tool ot the corrupt officials with whom Mexico IS cursed. There Is no transaction so in famous that he is not ready to serve as an instrument in it, and he has therefore an influence altogether out of proportion to his real Importance-for men fear | him as 1t IS in human nature to fear those who have an almost unlimited power to injure He has grown rich from the bribes he mas received, both
 
 and those who have much to gain, from the government But Barrera is one man who has neither feared nor bribed him; and, since he is well known as an uncompromising opponent of the present government, he has suffered in conse quence. He has been imprisoned on false charges, mulcted by heavy fines until his fortune is greatly diminished, and harassed and persecuted in innumer able ways He is the chief owner of the Buena Esperanza and on this Fernandez has long been known to have covetous eye. But. aware of the value of the mine, Barrera has never been willing to sell and he was in negotiation with me to obtain the money to work the mine, | when his On-whO Is as impetuOuS and uncomprOmising as himself-fell into trouble with the government. Fernandez was sent to the father and, while de- manding a heavy bribe for those who sent him, he demanded also the Buena Esperanza for himself Berrera thought that he had no alternative; he gave the bond on the mine, and it was not until later that he learned that this had been no part of the official bargain He then de- manded from Fernandez the return of the bond which had been obtained by fraud and falsehood The reply was contemptuous refusal Do you wonder at the anger of the man when he met the spoiler on his own property?'
 ''l only wonder said Derwent that he held back his hand from shooting him then and there This can say for my self, that had not the faintest doubt as to which was the honest man and which the scoundrel when saw them face to face. 1 told Fernandez that nothing would induce me to buy the mine until was assured that all was straight and clear regarding the title"
 And made q deadly enemy. as the re suit abu1rdantiy proves" said Don Mau rizio "l am more than ever sure that Fernandez alone is responsible for what might have been your murder But it will be difficult to prove it."
 Let me regain my strength" cried Derwent and will make it my busi- ness to prove it.
 Your business. more likely, to be shot again, and perhaps with a better aim," said the other No. you must be quiet, and leave Barrera and myself to work out the matter if possible. l will only ask you to remain here for time, in order to give your testimony in case we should be success: in any event It IS necessary that you allow our wound time to heal thoroughly If you have never before been on Mexican hacienda life with us for few weeks will at least have the attraction of novelty for you"
 1t is the best fortune 1 could have imagined to have an opportunity to see how life goes on a Mexican estate" said Derwent eagerly ''lt is something have desired from my boyhood, and really cannot feel much ennity toward the man who shot me when think of the result
 I am delighted to be able to gratify you" said Don Maurizio smiling, ''and very glad to offer some counterbalancing good to atone for the manner in which you have fallen among thieves. It is settled, then, that you will be my guest for some time to come. And now that you are getting better. you must be rather lonely in solitary confinement Do you not think you might make an effort to join us this evening? My daugh- ter will be glad to see you
 You are very kind l shall be happy to be allowed to do so; that is, if can , AAe"N'SoS w PNH O1 O SOcVC' AOA hO " cto present clad in silken dressing gown that Ramon had brought from his mas ters wardrobe.
 You must not think of putting on a coat" said Don Maurizio; mot, at least, of putting it on your injured arm. Sim ply button it around you And if you have nothing large and loose enough, send Ramon for something of mine. We lfIN. foreY'
 After, 1 think. My strength is not yet that of giant"
 CHAPTER VIII.