and silver, and an invasion of treasure-seekers, either from the sea or the Cordillera would be the ruin of the mission.  My poor people would be demoralized, perhaps destroyed, and you would be compelled to quit Quipai and return to the world.  For that contingency, though I hope it will never come to pass, you must be prepared, and I will point out the way.  The mountains, as I have said, contain silver and gold; and contain something even more precious than silver and gold—­diamonds, I made the discovery nearly half a century ago, and I confess that, for a time, the temptation was almost more than I could withstand.  With such wealth as I saw at my disposal I might do anything, be anything, enrich my order, win distinction for myself, and attain to high rank, perhaps the highest, in the church, or leave it and become a power in the world, a master of men and the guest of princes.  Yes, it was a sore temptation, but with God’s help, I overcame it and chose the better part, the path of duty, and I have my reward.  I brought a few diamonds away with me, some of which are in Angela’s cross; but I have never been to the place since.  I told you not this sooner, my son, partly because there seemed no need, partly because, not knowing you as well as I know you now, I thought you might be tempted in like manner as I was and we pray not to be led into temptation.  But though I tell you where these precious stones are to be found, I am sure that you will never quit Quipai.”

“I have no great desire to know the whereabout of this diamond mine, father.  Tell me or not as you think fit.  In any case, I shall be true to my trust and my word.  I promise you that I will not leave Quipai till I am forced, and I hope I never may be.”

“All the same, my son, it is the part of a wise man to provide for even unlikely contingencies.  Remember, it is the unexpected that happens, and I would not have you and our dear Angela cast on the world penniless.  For her, bred as she has been, it would be a frightful misfortune; and up yonder are diamonds which would make you rich beyond the dreams of avarice.  Promise me that you will go thither, and bring away as many as you can conveniently carry about your persons in the event of your being compelled to quit the oasis at short notice.”

“I promise.  Nevertheless, I see no probability—­”

“We are discussing possibilities not probabilities, my son.  And during the last few days I have had forebodings, if I were superstitious I should say prophetic visions, else had I not broached the subject.  Regard it, if you like, as an old man’s whim—­and keep a look-out on the sea.”

“Why particularly on the sea?”

“It is the quarter whence danger is most to be apprehended.  If some Spanish war-ship were to sight the oasis and send a boat ashore, either out of idle curiosity or for other reasons, a report would be made to the captain-general, or to whomsoever is now in authority at Lima, and there would come a horde of government functionaries, who would take possession of everything, and you would have to go.  But take your pen and note down the particulars that will enable you to find the diamond mine.”