A STORY OF CATTLEYA MOSSIAE 51 



and no word said. But the authorities simply called on the 

 accused for an explanation, accepted his statement that the 

 girl followed him of her free-will, and recommended him to 

 marry her. This he did, as Arnold ascertained. As for the 

 rest — quien sabe ? 



These sad events account for the old Indian's behaviour. 

 Arnold found him at home, and with him a young man not 

 to be recognised at first, who proved to be the lover. The 

 muscles of his neck had been severed, causing him to hold 

 his head awry, and a slash had partially disabled his right 

 arm. Arnold was told abruptly that he could not lodge 

 there, and he withdrew. But on a sudden the lover whispered 

 eagerly. They called him back. 



' Will you buy the Cattleya } ' asked old Jose. 



' How much } ' 



' Fifty dollars and a good gun.' 



' It's a bargain.' 



He paid there and then, nor quitted the spot, though 

 very hungry, until his followers had sawn through the 

 branch and lowered its burden to the ground. Carrying his 

 spoil in triumph, suspended on a pole, Arnold sought the 

 Cura's house. There he heard the tale I have unfolded. 



Not until eveninor did the Padre chance to see the giant 

 Cattleya. He was vexed, naturally, since his church lost its 

 accustomed due. But when Arnold told what he had paid 

 for it, the good man was deeply moved. ' Holy Virgin and 

 all saints ! ' he cried, ' there will be murder ! ' And he set 

 off running to the Indian's house. It was empty. Jose and 

 the lover had been seen on the road to Caracas hours before 

 — with the gun. 



I am sorry that I cannot finish the story ; too often we 

 miss the denoument in romances of actual life. But the 

 Cura felt no doubt. It may be to-night, or next year, or 

 ten years hence, he said, but the captain is doomed. Our 



