“Can you read the inscription on it?” asked Marie.
Carefully the sediment and rust shales were removed. The grooves in the letters and figures of the inscription were carefully cleaned out with a knife. It read
FATHER
JUADANEZ
1768.
“The old father has been dead a long time,” said the fellow who was doing the details of the work.
“I wonder,” said Marie, “if we really ought to disturb his bones.”
“Do you suppose they put any valuables in the little chest when they sealed it up?” asked another.
“It has always been customary to put in the sacred urn,” said Marie.
“Cut it open!” commanded a corporal.
“I can’t,” said the robber; “we’ll have to build a fire and melt it open.”
This they did; and in it they found the dust of his bones and a number of valuables including the Patricia’s gold-lined cup which Marie took and hung on her belt.