h an unlooked-for prize.

And now I was going to abandon the habit, as one un-suited to the
responsibilities of a rich man's station! Oh, dear, what a sigh honest
Jack Falstaff must have heaved when he swore "he would eschew sack and
low company, and live cleanly."

I now addressed myself more practically to my work, and, seeing that it
would be quite impossible for me to carry the great bulk of my treasure
to Guajuaqualla, I replaced the canvas sack, with the gold and some of
the larger bags of the gems, in the ground, and merely took those that
contained the paper securities, and some of the more valuable emeralds,
along with me.

In parting with my wealth, even for a short absence, I confess my
feelings were very poignant. A thousand fears beset me, and I turned
to survey the spot beneath which it lay, wondering if there was any
indication to mark the concealed riches below. All, however, looked safe
and plausible; and I proceeded on my way, with a heart as easy as, I
suppose, rich men's hearts are permitted to be!

I believe the road along which I journeyed lay in the midst of a fertile
and pleasing tract,--I believe, I say; for I own I saw nothing of it.
The river along which I walked seemed silver, molten silver, to me;
the fruit-trees bore apples of pure gold; the stars which studded the
morning sky seemed sapphires and diamonds; the dewdrops on the grass
were opals all. If I sat down to rest myself, I instantly took one of
my precious bags from my pocket, to gaze at the bright treasures it
contained, and feast my eyes with brilliancy.

At last I found myself on the great high road, and, as the sign-post
told me, only "tres leguas"--three leagues--from Guajuaqualla. For a few
copper coins I obtained a seat upon a peasant's "carro," and journeyed
along more agreeably, secretly laughing to myself at the strange
conveyance that carried "Caesar and his fortunes."

The peasant was an old man who lived by selling watermelons, gourds, and
cucumbers in the city, and knew most of its well-known inhabitants. It
was, therefore, a good opportunity for me to learn something of those in
whom I was interested. He told me that the banker Don Xafire Hijaros had
died several years ago, but that his son Manuel carried on the business,
and was reputed to be the richest man in Guajuaqualla. It was said that
the great wealth of the house had been accumulated in ways and by means
that would not bear too close scrutiny. Large sums