The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-05-02

whom were somewhat disturbed O.
learning that we proposed to sleep -
Santa Cruz.
"The place has an evil name" said
the Alcalde, "and Is home of thieves
and smugglers. Only last week cargo
that never paid duty went up the river:
They say that Don Pedro was fatheret
by the devil In person. May the saints
protect you from him. lordl'
I'VE have business that takes us TO
this house. friend" answered. "Still,
doubtless, IL will be easy for you to
keep yourself informed of what chances
In that neighborhood, and II we should
not appear again within few days,
perhaps II win please You 20 advise tho
authorities at Campeche that we arc
missing"
1.-THE authorities are afraid Of Don
Pedro" answered the alcalde, shaking
his head; .nlsohe 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 ~
with you, II Is possible that may be
able 10 get help IL 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 nll sides.
Don Jose beat back the dogs, that knew
him. and, leaving us under the charge
OF some half breeds, he entered the
house.
After awhile he returned again aud
led us through the passage into the
dining-hall. Several lamps were hung
upon its walls, and by their light we
saw Ave or six people gathered round q
long table waiting for supper. Toward
the far end OF the chamber, a hammock
was swung from the beams In the roof,
In which lay 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
Englishman 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 awolSe, or pretended 10 awake,
from his doze, and babe the girl cease
swinging the hammock. Then he sat
MP and looked at us. He was 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 a
venerable aspect.
"Senor, | am grateful TO you, and
this house and all within il 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 Rnawing one end OF his
mustacho and staring at us out of the
corner of his eyes.
''Tell me-" he added, "to what do I
owe the honor OF your presence?"
"To an accident, Don Pedro" the
senior answered. "As IL chances the
ruins Of this ancient land interest me
much, and was travelling to Palenque
with my Indian friend, Don Ignatio,
when we were so unfortunate as TO be
wrecked near your hospitable house.
In our dilemma we accepted the invita-
tion of your SON to visit you, In the hope
that you may be able to sell US some
guns and mules.v
ITO M CONTINUED