Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-11-19
HEART OF THE WORLD.
ny II. RIDER HAGGARD.
Strange Story, Bequeathed
Mexican Indian to His Friend
Engishman
copyrighted, 1894, b, q. Rider Hasga
CHAPTER VII
1.-THE HACIENnAM

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 us. watch
Ing everything that passed, and saw
his eyes brighten at the sight Of the
belt Of gold
You 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 ex-
ample" answered the senior; 1--WE di-
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 If, like you, we had been
called upon to swim; By the way.
senior, what are YOUR plans3"
eff you will allow me, answered the
Mexican, II 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?"
no 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?"
"Senor," answered the man with
every sign Of contrition, eff did this 1t
was because terror and madness pos
| sessed me, and most humbly do beg
your pardon for the deed. I know
that you have heard an i'll report Of my
| father, and, to speak the truth, at
| times when the liquor is in him he Is o
bao and violent old man, yet he has
! this virtue, that he loves me, his son,
Therefore, in his name and my own, I
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 edesire to buy mules
and guns" answered the senior, land 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 We're 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 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 you 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 a few days,
perhaps itw will please you to advise the
authorities at Campeche that we are
missing
| 1.-The authorities are afraid of Don
Pedro" answered the alcalde, shaking
his head; .'alsohe 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 1nglese is
with you, it is possible that 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 an6
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 8
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 DoI
Jose, leading the way toward the ham
mock. Father, here is that Draw
Englishman who saved my life las
night, and with the Indian gentleman
who did not wish to save my life. AS
told you, / have offered them hospital
ty on your behalf, feeling sure that the,
would be welcome here"
At the sound of his sons voice Dol
Pedro awoke, or pretended to awake
from his doze, and babe the girl ceas,
swinging the hammock. Then he sa
up and looked at us. He was short
stout man of about sixty years of age
so short, indeed, that, although tn
hammock was hung low, his legs dit
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
venerable aspect.
"Senor, ! am grateful to you, ant
this house and all within 1t Is at you
disposal and that of your companions,
and he glanced with genuine affection
at the coarse, -browed man besid
him, who was gnawing one end of hi
mustache and staring at us out OF tn
corner of his eyes.
s'Tell me-" he added, ssto what do
owe the honor of your presence?"
ITO an accident. Don Pedro tn
senior answered. "As it chances tn
ruins of this ancient land interest IN
much, and was travelling to Palenqu
with my Indian friend, Don Ignatio
when we We're SO unfortunate as to b
wrecked near your hospitable house
In our dilemma we accepted the invita-
ton of your son to visit you, in the hop
that you may be able to sell us som
guns and mules.P
Ruins, Senior Strickland! Decided
you Englishmen are strange. Suppe
will be served shortly; till then, adios
) Girl, go with Them" he added, address
ing the woman who had been engage
in swinging the hammock; water ma
be wanted and other things"
re-; IL 1>o,ya1 n Mt W nd q