he other
guests, had scarce found an opportunity to speak with the _haciendado_
on business that concerned both of them. Only for one moment had they
been alone; and then the Spaniard had briefly related to Don Augustin
the contract he had entered into with Cuchillo. When Don Estevan
mentioned the secret of the Golden Valley, the haciendado appeared to
make a slight gesture, as of disappointment, but their short dialogue
ended abruptly by a promise to return to the subject at a later hour of
the night.

Don Estevan awaited until all the other guests had retired to their
chambers. Then drawing the Senator into the bay of one of the large
windows of the sala, he requested him to look up at the stars that were
shining in all their brilliance in the blue sky above.

"See!" said he, pointing to a particular constellation. "That is the
_Chariot_ that has risen above the eastern horizon. Do you perceive a
single star farther down, which scarce shines through the vapour? That
is the emblem of _your_ star, which at present pale, to-morrow may be in
the ascendant, and gleam more brightly than any of those that compose
the brilliant cortege of the _Chariot_."

"What mean you, Senor Arechiza?"

"I shall tell you presently. Perhaps the hour is nearer than you think
when you may be the future master of this hacienda, by a marriage with
the charming daughter of its present owner, who is to be its heiress.
Come presently to my apartment. The conversation which I am about to
have with Don Augustin must be decisive, and I shall let you know the
result."

With these words the Spaniard and the Senator parted--the heart of the
latter beating at the same time with hope and fear.

Don Estevan now awaited the haciendado, who the moment after came up to
him.

The proprietor of the Hacienda del Venado, as has already been seen, had
given to the Spaniard more than an ordinary welcome. His politeness to
him when in presence of witnesses, was even less respectful than when
the two were alone. On his side Don Estevan appeared to accept the
homage of the other as if it were due to him. There was in his polite
condescension towards the rich proprietor, and in the deference of the
latter towards him, something resembling the relation that might be
supposed to exist between a powerful sovereign and one of his noble
vassals.

It was not until after reiterated requests--orders they might almost be
called--that Don Augustin consented