Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/161

Rh had been unperceived; taking care to bring with him his pick-axe and tools, as though nothing had occurred; and concealing his newfound treasure, in a private pocket about his person.

He returned to his labours on the following day, endeavouring to assume as staid and demure a countenance before his comrades, as he could, to disarm suspicion. He began to dig, too, as usual, but made little progress in his task; his mind being too fully occupied with joyful anticipations, to bestow much attention on his now needless exertions; and long before sunset (for the first time since his arrival) he had packed up his implements and hied to his retreat, to meditate upon his good fortune, and on the readiest method to make it available for future happiness.

Poor Lope Cluca! He little dreamed that an inquisitive eye had watched his movements on the preceding evening, as he exulted over his diamond, and that his exclamations on the discovery had been overheard; still less did he suppose that while he was occupied in rejoicing over bliss in prospect, a ruffian was brooding over a scheme to rob him of his treasure, and take away his life.