Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/226

206 and she has invented a story concerning some jewels, which has not the slightest foundation." In vain the Viceroy begged him to reflect, and not, by adding falsehood to treachery, force him to take measures of severity. The merchant with oaths persisted in his denial. The Viceroy left the room suddenly, and returned with the jewel-case in his hand; at which unexpected apparition the astonished merchant changed color and entirely lost his presence of mind. The Viceroy ordered him from his presence, with a severe rebuke for his falsehood and treachery, and an order never again to enter the palace. At the same time he commanded him to send him the next morning, eight hundred dollars with five hundred more; which he did, and which were, by the Viceroy's order, distibuted amongst the hospitals. His Excellency is said to have added a severe reprimand to the lady, for having made a bargain without writing.

Another story which I recollect, is as follows: A poor Indian appeared before the Viceroy, and stated that he had found in the street a bag full of golden ounces, which had been advertised with the promise of a handsome reward to the person who should restore them to the owner; that upon carrying them to this Don, he had received the bag, counted the ounces, extracted two, which he had seen him slip into his pocket; and had then reproached the poor man with having stolen part of the money, had called him a thief and a rascal, and instead of rewarding, had driven him from the house. With the Viceroy there was no delay. Immediate action was his plan. Detaining the Indian, he despatched an officer