Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/164

140 by him till nightfall when with a bland smile he bade him adieu; and Lope bent his steps towards his tent as usual.

He had not proceeded far on his way, however, when he stumbled over a large stone lying in the path; and directly afterwards felt himself struck on the head with a heavy blunt instrument; so violentty, that on the blow being repeated he fell to the ground completely stunned, the blood issuing from his ears and temples in copious streams.

"That has finished his treasure-seeking, I swear!" exclaimed a hoarse voice, as the Indian bent over him; and, after rifling his pockets, tore away from his breast, the small bag which held the diamond.

The flow of blood from Lope's temples, however, proved the means of recovering his consciousness, and he was soon able to move with difficulty. On recovering his faculties he heard the sound of voices at a little distance, and thought he could distinguish these words uttered in a tone he had heard before:—

"I tell you, I will keep the diamond until morning, Cayan; when we will have it examined in order to share its value equally between us."