Evening star., 1937-04-11
Mosozins Section


Arroyo of the Caves, they began walking in
the water leaving no trace. Juan led his bride
along the different streams and then showed
her the three landmarks, and how they pointed
to the entrance of his tunnel.
When they came into the dell Rosa stood
a moment, amazed. | can understand that for
Juan has often said to me- ITS weirdly
beautiful sehor-a place of happy birds, friend
ly flowers and quiet, fragrant air. believe it's
bit of Paradise that the Lord God forgot to
curse. for it had never been contaminated by
the foot of man before my father found it.
He had built little thatched hut of palm
leaves and furnished it with all the comforts of
home; but at first Rosa was restless, greatly
missing the excitement she was so used to. Yet
gradually the silent loveliness of the dell grew
upon her; and as the days passed. curious,
new contentment came to her. They did not
return to Guanto until all their provisions
were gone.
Lopez, gnawed by impatience, welcomed
them warmly. He could hardly wait to get the
girl alone, after Juan had left to bank the gold
they had brought
But a strange thing had happened; Rosa
refused absolutely to tell where the mine was,
for she had fallen in love with her husband
Lopez cajoled and threatened, but with
out avail. At last, made mad with greedy
rage at thus being thwarted, he snatched up
his quirt and began beating her, to force the
secret from her; but she let only means escape
her lips.
1t was then that Juan returned He wrenched
he RI I fho
heavy butt crashing down on his head, crushing
his skull.
AS you know, Excellency, Juan was thrown
into Jail while they waited to see if Lopez
would live. Before he was taken away, Juan
slipped the dagger that had murdered his
father to Rosa, saying: Guard this we'll for
me, queridc mia; until the time it is needed to
fulfill it's destiny"
Lopez was too close friend of the Devil to
be so easily slain, and it was not long before
he was up and about. As soon as he was able
he went to visit Juan in the jail.
'I'll not prosecute you for trying to murder
me, my son, he said, complacently, for he was
much pleased at the turn of events and the
power thus put into his hands, IF you'll share
your mine with me-"
"The dell is no longer mine, senor," replied
Juan. Half of it belongs to Rosa. As you've
already found, she doesn't wish to share it,
You're making very grave mistake to
refuse returned Lopez. not so amiably, ''for
think | can have you hanged for this crime
if not, I'm sure can arrange it that you spend
the rest of your life in prison."
What he said was very likely true, fo- ne
was very influential man in Guanto. But Juan
only shook his head, and said nothing, knowing
full we'll that only as long as he kept his secret
would his life be safe.
AS you know, Excellency, 'Wickedness is
rarely at loss for ceverness," and Lopez
convinced Rosa that telling him the location
of the dell was the only way she could save
the life of her husband. So what torture could
not drag from her, love made her at last reveal
in spite of the fact that Juan had warned her
not to believe her father would keep his end
of any bargain.
Rosa made a very excellent map, showing
the three landmarks and how they pointed out
the secret entrance. In their living quarters
back of the cantina Lopez was going over the
plan with her for the last time, to make sure
it was clearly in his mind, when they heard
quiet sound, and looking up, found Juan
watching from the doorway
For moment there was a taut silence then