by law succeed to the title and estates of the Marquis of
Medea before Don Hernan de Escalante. He often told me that he himself
never expected to inherit the property, and that he must find some other
means of improving his fortunes. It is my belief, however, that Father
Mendez, by some of the wonderful means at his disposal, knew that these
three persons would die before our return, and that he accompanied us
for the very purpose of obtaining an influence over Don Hernan, that his
order might thus benefit by the wealth which would be at his disposal.
He knew Don Hernan sufficiently to believe that he should obtain that
influence, and he probably would have succeeded. Now, however, he is
playing another game; he can have no sure hold over a person of so
uncertain a mind as Donna Hilda, and he has now returned to Spain that
he may be able to make his bargain with Don Anibal Villavicencio, who
has already succeeded to the property. Just consider the immense
influence he will have over him when he is able to prove that there is
an heir alive, who, if produced, will turn him out of the estates and
title. What do you say to the question, Mr Lawrence? Do you think I
am right in my suspicions?"

"Ay, that I do, most sagacious mariner," answered Lawrence, who had
really comprehended the tenor of these remarks; they were of course made
in much more broken English than has been used. "The priest may be an
honest priest, as he is undoubtedly a most polite gentleman; and his
ways may be good ways, in his own sight, though they are not my ways;
but that he is not labouring for the good of the poor little fatherless
child up there, I am clearly of opinion."

"So far we are agreed, my friend," said the lieutenant; "but when the
boy succeeds his grandfather, and becomes the owner of the property, he
will be able with his own right arm, or rather with his well-filled
purse, which is better than a strong arm to him, to establish his rights
to his Spanish estates and proper rank."

"Ah, there a fool may by chance know more than a wise man, friend
Pedro," observed Lawrence, rubbing the side of his nose with his
forefinger. "Come along with me, most worthy lieutenant, and I will
show you matters which will astonish you."

Pedro Alvarez accepted the invitation, and the two oddly-matched friends
set out together, towards the east end of the island. Lawrence turned
several times to observe if they were watched, and then continued