The Irish standard., 1895-12-21

y
your companions"
'sTo speak plainly, Don jose" said
the senior, "our past experience has not
been such as to cause us to desire to
have anything more to do with you.
Msy l remind yuu ta.at, putting aside
other mattera, last night you attempted
to stab me2"
.ssenor,s answered the man with
every,sign Of contrttion, 'sif did this it
was because terror and madness pos
sessed me, and rnst .ha1mbly do beg
your pardon for the decd. I know
that yon have heard an III report of my
father, and, to speak the truth, at
times when the liquor is IN him he is a
bao AND violent old man, yet he has
this virtue, that he loves me, his son,
and all those who are good TO me.
Therefore, in his name and my own, |
pray that You will forget the past and
accept of our hospitality for some few
covered from your fatigue and are. able
to furnish you with arms and horses to
help you forward on your journey"
Certainly we 0desire to buy mules
and guns" answered the senior, "and If
YOU think that your father will be able
to supply these we will avail. ourselves
of your kindness and pass a night or
two at his hacienda.
= Ten minutes later we were on the
road. -
Before we went, however, we babe a
warm farewell to the sailors, and also
to the alcalde Of the village, all of
whom were somewhat disturbed on
learning that we proposed to sleep at
Santa Cruz.
ssThe place has an evil name," said
the alcalde, "and is home of thieves
and smugglers, Only last week cargo
thst never paid duty went up the river:
They say that Don Pedro was fathered
by the devil in person. May the saints
protect you from him, lord!"
1--WE have business that takes us to
this house. FRIEND" Unanswered. '.SStll.
doubtless, it viii be easy for you to
keep yourself informed Of what chances
in that neighborhood, and if we should
not appear again within a few days,
Perhaps 1t will please you to advise the
authorities at Campeche that we are
missing"
'.The authorities are afraid of Don
Pedro" answered the alcalde, shaking
his head; ''also he brides them SO heavi-
ly that they grow blind when they look
his way. Still will do the best can,
be sure of that; and as an Inglese is
with you, it is possible that may be
able to get help If necessary
Our walk that day was long and hot,
though at length we came within sight
of this hacienda. We reached the gate
way and entered the courtyard, where
we were met by many fierce dogs,
which rushed upon us from all sides.
Don Jose beat back the dogs, that knew
him, and, leaving us under the charge
of some half breeds, he entered the
house. t%ss s=.- -. ~
After awhile he returned again and
led us. through che passage into the
dining-hall. Several lamps were hung
upon its walls, and by their light we
saw five or six people gathered round
long table waiting for supper. Toward
the far end of the chamber, hammock
was swung from the beams in the roof,
in which lay a man whom a handsome
girl, also Indian, was employed in rock
ing to and fro.
Come and be introduced to my
father, who expects you," said Don
Jose, leading the way toward the ham
mock. Father, here is that brave
Enelishman who saved my life last
night, and with the Indian gentleman.
who did not wish to save my life. AS
told YOU, have offered them hospitali-
ty on your behalf, feeling sure that they
would be welcome here"
At the sound of his sons voice Don
Pedro awoke, or pretended to awake,
from his doze, and babe the girl cease
swinging the hammock. Then he sat
M and looked at us. He was a short,
stout man of about sixty years OF age,
So short, indeed, that, although the
hammock was hung low, his legs did
not touch the floor. Notwithstanding
his lack of stature, Don Pedro's appear
ance was striking, while the long, care
fully brushed white hair gave him q
venerable aspect. ~ et.t -,.,
''Senor, am grateful to you, and
this house and all within it is at your
disposal and that Of your companions"
and he. glanced with genuine affection
at the coarse, beetle-browed man beside
him. who was gnawing one end of his
mustache and staring at us out OF the
corner of his eyes.
TELL me-" he added, t:to what do /
owe the honor of your presence?"
ITO an accident. Don Pedro the
senior answered. ssAs it chances the
ruins OF this ancient land interest me
much, and I was travelling to Palenque
with my Indian friend, Don lgnatio,
when we were SO unfortunate as to be
wrecked near your hospita bic house
In our dilemma we accepted the invita-
ton of your son to visit you, in the hope
that YOU may be able to sell us some
guns and mules"
.sRuins, Senior Strickland, Decidedly
YOU Englishmen are strange. Supper
will be Served shortly; till then, adios.
Girl, go with them" he added, address
ing the woman who had been engaged
in swinging the hammock; water may
be wanted and other things.
The girl bowed and went away and at
the, door we found her standing, lamp
in hand, to light us down the passage
s well, when you are ready, SAID Don
Jose, 'swill you come to supper? You
will not lose the way. for you can fol
low the smell of the food, and he LETT
the room.
a. some moment" l said, addressing the
girl, who was about to accompany him;
perhaps you will see that our s SCI
ant. y and ] pointed to Molas, mas
some meat brought to him here, since
voI1r masters will not wish him to SIT at
Ia ble." w. .s 4 u s5
ISL" answered the girl, whose name
was Luisa, searching my face with her
eyes.
By this time Don Jose was through
the door, which the draught pushed TO
behind him. x watched it close, then
thought struck me, for remembered
that among our order there are women,
associates Of the outer circle. and I
whispered some words in her ear and
made a sign with my hand She started
and gave the ancient answer, " hle On IS
taught even to children, whereto Ire
piled with another sign, that Of the 4
Presence of the Hear t. 81
s5s1W here?" she asked, dancing ct each en-