Owingsville outlook. [volume] (Owingsville, Ky.) 1879-192?, 1896-03-12


had learned.
"But what can this villain want to
do with an old Indian and his daugh-
ter?" he asked.
THE senior forgets." said Molas,
'that Don Pedro robbed me of the gold
which the doctor gave me. and that in
my folly | told him who il was that
gave II me. Doubtless he thinks town
the secret of the mine whence il was
dug. and Of the mint where il was
stamped with the sign of the heart.
Also, there is the daughter. whom some
men might value above all the gold i'm
Mexico. Now. lord, fear that your
Journey is fruiiless, since those who be-
come Don Pedros guests are apt to stay
with him forever"
That. think. we must take the risk
of, said the senior.
"Ycs," answered; having come so
far to find this stranger we cannot turn
back now. At least we have lived
through worse dangers than those
which await us at Santa Cruz"
CHAPTER VII
THE HACIENDA"
Returning to the place where we had
eaten, we found the alcalde talking
with the sailors as to their plans.
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 MS, 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 for the first
time. "All that had has gone down
with the ship, yes, three thousand dol
lars or more
"You should have followed our cx-
ample" answered the senior; 1--WE di-
vidcd our cash between the three of us
and secured itupon our persons, though
perhaps Won were wise after all. since
awkward IL, like you, we had been
called upon TO swim. by the way,
senior, what are Your plans?"
IF You will allow me-" answered the
Mexican. Il will walk with Won toward
Potrcrillo, for my horne lies on the
road. Would You he 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?"
"Scnor," answered the man with
every sign Of contrition, III did this it
was because terror and madness pos
scsscd me. and most humbly do | beg
your pardon for the decd. | know
that you have heard an i'll report Of my
father, and, to speak the truth, Mt
times when the liquor is in him he is a
ban 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 arc ab'e
to furnish you with arms Jua ho.s~s ~
help you forward on your iouae5
Certainly we desire IAv mu' rs
and Units. answered the scn,r, "ar. 70
-ou think that your father Will be able
3D. supply these we will anvil ourselves
g your kindness and pass a night or
two at his hacienda"
Ten minutes later v,a yere on the
road.
Before we went, however, we hadc 4
warm farewell to the sailors, and also
to the aicaldc of the village. all of
whom were Somewhat disturbed on
learning that we proposed to sleep at
Santa Cruz.
THE place has an evil NAME" said
the alcaldc, land is n home of thieves
and smugglers. Only last week a cargo
that never paid duty went up the river.
They say that Don Pedro was fathercd
by the devil in person. May the saints
protect You from him, lord!'
1--WE have business that takes us &c
this house. friend" answered. "Still.
doubtless, 1t will be easy for You &c
keep yourself informed of what chances
In that neighborhood, and IL we should
not appear again within a few days
perhaps 1t viii please you to advise the
authorities at Campeche thst we are
missing"
1.-THE authorities are afraid of Don
Pedro" answered the alcaldc, shaking
his head: also he brides them SO hcavi
ly that they grow blind when they look
his way. Still will do the best can.
be sure of that; and as an Inglcsc is
with you. 1t is possible that may be
able to 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 oil sides.
Don Jose beat bacis 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 passaps, into the
| dining-hall. Several lamps were hung
upon its walls, and by their light we
saw 1--WE or six people gathered round q
long table waiting for supper. Toward
the far end of the chamber, hammock
! was swung from the beams in :hc roof,
in which lay a man whom n handsome
girl, also Indian, was employed in rocl;-
ing to and fro.
Come and be introduced to my
father, who expects you," said Dor
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 awoIe, or pretended to awake,
| from his dozc, and babe the girl cease
swinging the hammock. Thon he sat
up aud looked at MS. 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 II is ut your
disposal and that of your companions. y
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 ont of the
corner of his eyes.
"Tell me" he added, ito what do
| owe the honor of your presence?"
ITO an accident. Don Pedro" the
/ senior answered. "As 1t 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 accented the invita-