"So says Padre Ignatius; but I think he is one of those who go to the forest sanctuary. He knows much."
"And says nothing. It is death for him to betray the secrets of that Aztec worship."
"Listen, Juan, alma de mi alma. The life of Cocom was saved by my uncle Miguel, and with him gratitude is more powerful than religion. He told me while you were away, that the opal has prophesied war, and on that account the Indians are alarmed for me. Should there be no guardian of the opal, Huitzilopochtli will be angry, and lest I should be killed in the war as soon as the revolt takes place, the Indians will carry me for safety into the heart of the country—into those trackless forest depths more profound than the sea."
"They shall never do so while I am at hand," said Jack, fiercely; "but I don't believe this story of Cocom's. You cannot be in such danger."
"I am afraid it is true; besides, that is not the only danger—Don Hypolito!"
"What of him?"
"He wishes to marry me, Juan."
Duval laughed softly, and pressed the little hand, that lay within his own.
"You talk ancient history, querida; I thought we settled that I was to be the favoured one."
"It is true! ah, yes, thee alone do I love," whispered Dolores, tenderly; "but when you departed, Juan, he came to me, this Don Hypolito, and spoke of love."