'Arrived in Mexico, my first thought was to seek for Pepito. Following the directions given me by Mrs. Percival, I soon found him; and repeating to him a portion of the interview I had with the lady, I finished by proposing to take the place of Mr. Livermore in the bargain that had been made between them. ''I ask nothing better,' was the reply. 'Here are my terms--two thousand dollars the very day we return to Mexico, and I to hold the shells till you hand over the money. That is fair, is it not?' ''Quite. When shall I see you again?' ''At eight to-night, on the Cathedral steps.' 'Hastening home, I devoted the rest of the day to preparing for my journey, and a little before five started for the Hotel de las Diligencias. Mrs. Percival had not yet arrived. Twice again I called, but still in vain. The evening gradually wore away, and at eight I paced the Cathedral Square, and for an hour loitered around the steps; but Pepito, also, failed to keep the rendezvous. 'As the next day was Sunday, I felt assured the most likely place to find Pepito, would be the bull-ring. On reaching it, I found a crowd assembled near one of the entrances, and pushing my way through, I beheld Pepito lying on the ground weltering in his blood. I rushed to him, and kneeling down, raised him in my arms. ''Ah! it is you, Señor,' said he, in a feeble tone. 'This is Pedro's work, but it was his last; for I have killed the traitor.' ''Pepito, tell me, for Heaven's sake, where did you find the shells?'I inquired; for avarice and cupidity reigned, I am ashamed to own, paramount within my breast. ''Those shells? In the plains of Chiapa--three days' journey from the sea--near the little river--in a brook--Ah! glory to God! here comes a priest!' 'At this moment a fat Franciscan friar pressed through the crowd. ''Absolution, padre! absolution!' cried Pepito, to whom the sight of the friar brought back new life. ''Patience, my son, patience! I am very late--very late--and I must not be detained. Wait a little--and after the sports of the day are over, I will return.' ''But, padre, I shall be dead!' ''Well, then, be quick!' ''I have only two sins on my conscience: I have not attended mass for three weeks.' ''That is sad! very sad! Well, what next?' ''Three days ago I stabbed an Inglez--a heretic.' ''Well, my dear son, your sins are venial sins; I absolve you.' ''Pepito, how did that dagger come into your hands?' I exclaimed, for I was astonished to see in his belt the dagger I had lost on the night when Adéle took refuge in my room. ''From my dear--Adéle.' ''And the _Inglez_--the heretic you stabbed--who was he?' ''Her husband--she wished it--promised to be mine--and I obeyed. But, stand back--I want air--air.'