earth, or by trading with one another or with the skippers from Boston,
who are glad to give us what we need from other lands in return for our
hides and tallow. So, if we find this 'gold' perhaps we had better say
nothing about it; but to find it--that will be a great, a grand
adventure."

"We'll tell if we find it," said Adan, philosophically.

The boys concocted a plan of campaign to their satisfaction, then went
home to supper. Don Tiburcio and his wife, Dona Martina, were already
seated at the table in the big bare room. The grandee was a huge man
with a soft profile, and cheeks as large and cream-hued as one of the
magnolias hanging in the patio. He had an expression of indolent good-
nature above his straight mouth, and long hands that looked lean and
hard when they closed suddenly. He was a man of much influence in the
politics of his country. His small-clothes were of dark green cloth with
large silver buttons, the lace on his linen was fine and abundant. Dona
Martina wore a gown of stiff flowered silk and a profusion of topaz
ornaments. As the boys entered and bowed respectfully, Don Tiburcio eyed
them keenly, but shook them cordially by the hand.

"So you are the son of Mateo Castanada," he said to Roldan. "It is
evident enough, although you have something in the face that he has not.
Otherwise I should not have done him to death in more than one political
battle. Well, my sons, you are very welcome, and the longer you stay
with us the better. The officers passed here some days ago--Rafael hid
in the garret for the two days I feasted them, and they do not know that
I have a son so young. Well, you are in good time to help my son enjoy
his Christmas."