Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/167

Rh convinced Lope that the inimical Indians were not far off, and that the butchery before him was their work.

On approaching the body, he perceived from various indications that the fatal affray must have taken place on the preceding evening; and at the same moment recognised the features of Cayan, the accomplice and assassin of Don Miguel! It was evident that the wretched man had made a desperate resistance; his left hand still clutched a large lock of the hair of an antagonist; and his right was clenched as though yet grasping his weapon. His clothes were tattered and his pockets were torn away; but as Lope stood over him, he saw a small cotton bag peeping forth from the breast of his shirt, which the Indians must have overlooked in the darkness. He eagerly seized and tore it open, and with breathless haste discovered that it contained the missing diamond! Joy choked his utterance, tears mounted to his eyes, and in a transport of gratitude he knelt upon the ground, and gave thanks to God and the Virgin.

Lope Cluca did not remain long in the silver regions, after this happy sequel to his adventure. He forthwith made arrangements for