I'd sold some of the treasure, but, for some reason which I've never been able to figure out, I kept the idol.

I think I was afraid to try to sell it on account of the big diamonds in it.
"I gave Taggart the treasure he'd left behind the night he tried to knife me, but he wasn't satisfied; he wanted more, wanted me to sell the Toltec image and split with him.

Of course I wouldn't do that because of the way he'd acted, and he swore to get it some day.
"He took up some land about fifteen miles down the river, and he's stayed there ever since.

I've been afraid to go anywhere with the idol for fear he'd waylay me and get it.

One day while I was away somewhere he came here and told Ezela about me having the idol.