I should have gone long ago, and returned with a hoard of wealth that would make me the master of Europe--wealth that would buy kingdoms.

I can tell you no more than that it is somewhere in the region of the Peruvian Andes.

It may be that by cautious inquiry you may light on an Indio who will lead you to the very spot.

It is worth the attempt, and if by the help of St.Peter and the Holy Virgin you succeed, and I am still alive, send me out of your abundance a few arrobas (twenty-five pounds) of gold and a handful of diamonds.

It is all I ask." It was all he asked.
"When I find that volcano, Don Alberto," I said, "not a mere handful of diamonds, but a bucketful." This was almost our last talk, for the very same day news was brought that Lord Wellington, having been forced to raise the siege of Burgos, was retreating toward the Portuguese frontier, and that Salamanca would almost inevitably be recaptured by the French.