The herald., 1896-02-23

"Man, promise me that you will do
as ask you, because I am going away
from here, never to return. must in
sist upon absolute silence in what |
am about to tell you. Will you
promise?" Don Antonio was now
thoroughly frightened. He thought
he WAS in the presence of a madman.
Romeros face, however, grew moro
composed and kinder expression
spread over 1t, as he continued, still
holding firmly the old mans hand:
II am going away. 1 have great
wealth, as you perhaps know. It is in
gold and silver coin principally. 1t is
now in safe place, but tonight at IL
o'clock, shall transfer it to your casa
and you shall show me where I can
conceal it, under the floor Of some spot
IN this house, there to remain until
you die. Then it must go to your
daughter, whom you know I love with
my very soul.and without whom can
not live. Through you (God forgive
me) we we're separated forever"
Don Antonio WINGED, and turned
pale. Romero noticed it. 'That is past
now. have long since forgiven you.
May God forgive you as 1 have"
Then after walking several times
across the room, he turned, and stood
before the still silent and remorseful
parent.
"Will you do this and keep my secret
until the time comes when she shall
need it, or if you should find that you
are about to die, tell her where it is,
for her and her alone and may God
have mercy on your soul, if you dare
neglect this. Will you swear?"
II will" answered the trembling man,
while his head dropped heavily on his
chest and his form was convulsed with
weeping.
Then Romero left the room as 81.
lently and mysteriously as he had en-
tered.
just as the clock struck II the door
again opened and Romero entered, ac.
companied by two strange-looking In
dian servants, who carried, with great
effort, large chest, which he ordered
them to deposit. on the floor, tossing
them some pieces of coin as they de-
parted. Don Antonio still sat silent
and buried in deep thought, in the
chair where Romero had left him over
an hour ago.
"Stir yourself, my good man, we
must work. 1t is you and I alone who
must hide this treasure tonight, for by
the setting of tomorrow's sun I must
be far from herev'
Antonio heard, but he WAS go dazed
by it all that he could not for some
time control himself to action. It was
all so strange and dreadful to his inno-
cent mind, but he must oblige his good
and trusted friend by assisting him in
doing what he desired.
"Lead the way" said Romero, "and
show me place of safety for the
gold"
They passed through several dark
ened rooms with no fear of discovery,
for the only servant who now cared
for the comforts of the household was
an ancient squaw, and she slept out
side, in small house built for her use,
when her work was done in the casa.
Since Juana had left his once Joyous
home her father had not cared for en-
tertaining company and the Indian
woman could attend to all his simple
needs.
ave cannot carry it all at once. We
must each of us make as many trips to
the chest as is necessary to bring it
here" said Romero after they reached
the room, which they both decided was
the proper place for safety. The floor
was hard adobe, and deep excavation
must be made in it and the dirt re-
placed and smoothed before morning.
The lord OF the casa soon brought
picks and shovels and they both fell to
work with the tools to remove the
earth.
.There," said Romero, after an hours
hard work. .sthat will do. think" The
other man nodded his assent, and they
both moved noiselessly to and from
the treasure, until the last piece Was
placed in the box, which was fitted in
in the hole to receive it.
Then they carefully refilled the hole
and carried the surplus earth and
tossed it it in q corner of the garden
unobserved by any one, after which
the floor was smoothed so that, when
il was done no one could have guessed
thai it had ever been disturbed, and
tha. in that small spot lay the great
wealth OF a princely Inheritance.
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