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144 exchanging the small amount of ore he had collected for its value in money and only waited till an opportunity should present itself of returning to the capital, with such an escort as might ensure safety on the road. He was fortunate enough to encounter a company of muleteers carrying barras of silver, with whom he set out in high spirits; once more taking care to conceal his diamond about his person, and holding little communication with the members of the troop, that his treasure might sustain no further risk.

After innumerable alarms of robbers, and a few stray encounters, in which the travelling party had the advantage, they arrived in good time in the capital, where Lope at once proceeded to barter his diamond for a large sum of money—only a tithe of its value, indeed, but which amply contented him. The fortunate Mestizo—now elevated to the dignity of a caballero, or gentleman—was shortly afterwards united to his loved Teresa Alxarra, amid the congratulations of those relatives whom he was in future enabled to maintain in affluence. It was often remarked, moreover, in after years, that he was never better pleased than when relating to them, and to his family,