Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-01-09
CHAPTER VII
THE HACIENDA"

The senior unbucked the belt OF money
which he wore about his waist, and
pouring out half handful Of gold
pieces, begged the boatswain to accept
Of them for division between himself
and his companions. All this while
Don Jose was sitting close to us, watch
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 Tor the first
time. "All that had has gone down
with the ship, yes, three thousand dol
lars or more"
"You shnplu have followed our ex-
ample" answered the sencr; I'VE d.
vided our cash between the three Of us
and secured itupon our persons, though
perhaps you were wise after all, since
such weight of gold might have been
awkward II, like you, we had been
called upon to swim. BY the way,
senior, what are your plans?"
III you will allow me, answered the
Mexican, y will walk with you toward
Potrerillo, for my home lies on the
road. Would you be offended, senior,
II, on the behalf of my father VEN
tured to offer his hospitality to you and
your companioasP"
40 speak plainly, Don Jose" said
the senior, "our past experience has not
been such as to cause us to desire u
have anything more to do with you
May l remind you that, putting aside
other matters, last night you attempted
to stab me?"
"Senor," answered the man with
every sign Of contrition, "if did this II
was because terror and madness pos
sessed me, and most humbly do ! beg
your pardon for the deed. | know
that you have heard an III report Of my
father, and, to speak the truth, at
times when the liquor Is in him he is
bad 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
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, Sand Il
you think that your father will be able
to supply these we will avail ourselves
of your kindness and pass n night OF
two at his hacienda"
Ten minutes later we We're on the
road.
Before we went, however, we babe Q
warm farewell to the sailors, and also
to the alcalde of the village, all Of
whom were somewhat disturbed OF
learning that we proposed to sleep al
Santa Cruz.
1.-THE place has an evil name" said
the alcaldc, land is home of thieves
and smugglcrs Only last week a cargo
that never paid duty went up the river
They say that Don Pedro was fathered
BY the devil in person, May the saints
protect yon from him, lord''
1--WE have business that takes us to
this house, friend" 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 alcalde, shaking
bis head; ''alsohe brides them so heavi-
~ that they grow blind when they look
his way. Still will do the best | can,
be sure Of that; and as an lnglese Is
with you, It is possible that may be
able to get help ii necessary"
Our walk that day was long and hot,
though at length we came within sight
VI 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
dining-hall. Several lamps were hung
upon Its walls, and by their light we
saw five or six people gathered round a
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 Q man whom o 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. "l'ather, 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, or pretended to awake,
from his doze, and babe the girl cease
swinging the hammock Then he sat
up and looked at us. lie was short.
stout man Of about sixty years of age
so Short indeed, that, although tn,
hammock was hung low, his legs di,
not touch the floor. Notwithstanding
his lack Of stature, Don Pedros 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 II Is at your
disposal and that Of your companions"
and he glanced with genuine affection
at the coarse, beetle-b rowed man beside
him, who was gnawing one end Of his
mustache and staring at us out of tho
corner Of eyes
"Tell me-" he added, "to what do |
owe the honor of your presence?'
ITO an accident. Don Pedro the
senior answered. "As it 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-
ton Of your son to visit you, In the hope
that you may be able to sell us some
guns and mules"
"Ruins, Senior Strickland! Decidedly
you Englishmen are strange. Supper
will be served shortly; till then, adios.
Girl, 20 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 avay,and at
the door we found her standing, lamp