is spot--"

"We know it," interrupted Fabian.

"Well," continued Diaz, "I will think no more about this immense
treasure. I have always preferred the life of an Indian, killed by my
own hands, to a sack of gold dust."

This common feeling of hatred towards the Indians still further added to
the sympathy which Bois-Rose had felt for the disinterestedness and
courage shown by Diaz.

"We have failed at the onset," continued Diaz, in a tone of great
bitterness, "and all this through the fault of a traitor whom I wish to
deliver up to your justice--not because he deceived us, but because he
has destroyed the instrument which God was willing to grant, in order to
make my country a powerful kingdom."

"What do you say?" cried Fabian; "is it Cuchillo of whom you speak?"

"The traitor who twice attempted your life--the first time at the
Hacienda del Venado, the second in the neighbouring forest--is the one
who conducted us to this valley of gold."

"It was then Cuchillo who told you the secret. I was almost sure of
it--but are you also certain?"

"As certain as I am that I shall one day appear before God. Poor Don
Estevan related to me how the existence and position of the treasure
became known to Cuchillo; it was in assassinating his associate who had
first discovered it.

"And now if you decide that this man who has twice attempted your life
deserves exemplary punishment, you have only to determine upon it."

As he finished these words, Pedro Diaz tightened his horse's girths, and
prepared to depart.

"One word more!" cried Fabian, "has Cuchillo long possessed this grey
horse, which, as you may be aware, has a habit of stumbling?"

"More than two years, from what I have heard."

This last scene had escaped the bandit's observation, the thicket of
cotton-trees concealing it from his sight; besides, he was too much
absorbed in the contemplation of his treasures to turn his eyes away
from them.

Seated upon the sand, he was crouched down amidst the innumerable pieces
of gold which surrounded him, and he had already begun to pile up upon
his serape all those he had chosen, when Diaz finished his terrible
revelation.

"Ah! it is a fearful and fatal day," said Fabian, in whose mind the
latter part of this revelation left no room for doubt. "What ought I do
with this man? You, who both know what he has done with my adopted
father, Pepe--Bois-Rose--advise me, for my strength and resolution are
coming to an end