Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-06-04

ing everything that passed, and / saw
his eyes brighten at the sight of the
belt of gold.
''Ycu are fortunate to have saved so
much" he said. speaking for the first
time. 'Ali that / had has gone down
with the ship. yes. three thousand dol
lars or more"
You should have followed our ex-
ample" answered the senior; I'VE di-
vided our cash between the three of us
and secured itupon our persons. though
perhaps you were wise after all. since
such a weight of gold might have been
awkward IT, like you, we had been
called upon to swim. BY the way,
senior, what are your p1ans?"
If you Will allow me-" answered the
Mexican, Il will walk with you toward
Potrerillo, for my home lies on the
road Would you be offended, senior,
if, on the behalf of my father, ven
tured to offer his hospitality to you and
your companions"
ITO 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.
May / remind you that, putting aside
other matters, last night you attempted
to stab me?"
every sign of contrition, ''if I did this it
was because terror and madness pos
sessed me, and most humbly do / beg
your pardon for the deed. / know
that you have heard an i'll report of INV
father, and, to speak the truth, at
times when the liquor is in him he is a
bad and violent old man, vet 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, I
pray that you viii forget the past and
accept of our hospitality for some few
days, or at least until you have re-
covered from your fatigue and are able
to furnish you with arms and horses to
help you forward on your journey"
Certainly we desire 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 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.
1.-The place has an evil name," said
the alcalde, land is home of thieves
and smugglers. Only last week cargo
that never paid duty went up the river.
by the devil in person. May the saints
protect you from him, lordi'
1--WE have business that takes us to
this house, friend" L answered. ''Still.
doubtless, it will be easy for you to
keep yourself informed of what chances
in that neighborhood, and if we should
not appear again within few days,
perhaps it will please you to advise the
authorities at Campeche that we are
missing"
'.The authorities are afraid of Don
Pedro" answered the a1ca1de, shaking
his head; ''also he brides them so heavi-
ly that they grow blind when they look
his way. Still L will do the best can.
be sure of that; and as an Inglese is
with you, It is possible that 1 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.
After awhile he returned again and
led US through the passage into the
dininghan. Several lamps were hung
upon its walls, and by their light we
saw hNC OF people RalnorSd d
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 nv
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 awoke, OF pretended to awake,
swinging the hammock. Then he sat
up 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 a
venerable aspect.
''Senor, / am grateful to you, and
this house and all within it is at your
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
and staring at US out of the
corner of his eyes.
ssT,aIl mo he added ssto what do