Judsonia weekly advance., 1918-06-19
CHAPTER ".
Retribution.

1
 Although for long time Donna Isa- bel had been sure in her own mind that Pancho Cueto, her administrator, was robbing her, she had never mustered courage to call him to a reckoning Nevertheless, De Castano's blunt accu- sation, coupled with her own urgent needs, served to fix her resolution, and on the day after the merchants visit she sent for the overseer, who at the time was living on one of the plan- tations.
 Cueto was plainly curious to learn why he had been sent for but since he asked no questions, his employer was forced to open the subject her self. Through dry, white lips she be- gan:
 My dear Rancho, times are hard. The plantations are failing and SO" Pan cho Cueto's eyes were set close to his nose, his face was long and thin and harsh he regarded the speaker with such sinister, unblinking stare that she could scarcely finish: "-and so lean no longer afford to retain you as administrator"
 "Times will improve" he said.
 Impossible! I tell you I'm bank rupt."
 50? Then the remedy is simple sell part of your land."
 Although this suggestion came natu- rally enough, Donna Isabel turned cold, and felt her smile stiffen into gri- mace. She wondered if Cueto could be feeling her out deliberately. "Sell the Varona slands?" she queried. after a momentary struggle with herself. "Es- teban would rise from his grave. Mo-. It was his wish that the plantations go to his children intact"
 And his wish is sacred to you, eh?" Cueto- nodded his approval, although his smile was disconcerting "An ad mirable sentiment It does you honor {! But speaking on this subject, I am re- minded of that dispute with Jose Oroz over the boundary to La Joya. I have promised to show him the original deed to La Joya and to furnish him with the proofs about the boundary line. That would be better than q lawsuit. wouldn't it?"
 Decidedly! But-I will settle with him myself"
 Cueto lifted an admonitory hand, his face alight with the faintest glimmer of ironic mirth. "I couldn't trust you to the mercies of that rascal" he said piously. "No, I shall go on as 1 am, even at sacrifice fo myself. I love Don Esteban's children as my very own; and you, senora-"
 Isabel knew that she must win a complete victory at once or accept ir- retrievable defeat
 "Never!" she interrupted, with a tone of finality. ''I can't accept your sacrifice. am not worthy. Kindly arrange to turn over your books of ac- count at once"
 Then Rancho Cueto did an unex- pected thing: he laughed shortly and shook his head.
 Donna Isabel was ready to faint and her voice quavered as she went on |: Understand me, we part the best of friends despite all have heard against you. I do not believe these stories people tell, for you probably have en- emies. Even if all they said were true, should force myself to be leni- ent because of your affection for my husband"
 The man rose, still smiling. "It Is who have been lenient," said he.
 ''Eh? Speak plainly"
 Gladly. 1 have long suspected that Don Esteban hid the deeds of. his prop erty with the rest of his valuables, and now that you admit"
 Donna Isabel recoiled sharply. "Ad- init Are you mad? Deeds What are you talking about?" Her eyes met his bravely enough. but she could feel her lips trembling loosely. Casting aside all pretense, the over- seer exclaimed: "Por el amor de Dios An end to thisi know why you sent for me. You think I have been rob- ping you. Well, to be honest, so I have. Why should toll as do while you and those twins live here in lux ury and idleness. squanderIng money to which you have no right?"
 Have l lost my reasonY gasped the widow. "No right?"
 At least no better right than I. Don't you understand? You have no title to these plantationsl They are mine, for have paid the taxes out of