ODONTOGLOSSUM HARRY ANUM 235 



charm, and another dollar for himself to pay for the masses 

 which would expiate his sin. Kerbach asked details, which 

 were given quite frankly. The wizard was a respectable 

 person — attended church, and so forth. The sacristan had 

 talked matters over with him and neither doubted of success. 

 Kerbach must write a letter to Don Filipe's wife begging 

 her to intercede. The wizard having charmed that docu- 

 ment before presenting it, she would be compelled to grant 

 its request. If the planter should still refuse, a curse would 

 be launched against him. And he could not dare resist that. 

 The man was so serious, he explained himself in such a 

 matter-of-fact tone, that Kerbach, laughing, risked two 

 dollars on the chance. With the letter in his pocket the 

 sacristan departed. Two days later he returned. Don 

 Filipe was willing to negotiate the lease. Kerbach was so 

 delighted that he never thought of asking whether the lady's 

 gentle influence or the terrors of the curse had persuaded 

 him. Thus Odontoglossum Harryanum was found, to the 

 eternal glory of Roezl. 



