"He says nothing, because he knows nothing," said Jack, promptly; "we haven't told him yet. However, when Dolores and myself found out we loved one another, she told me all about this Chalchuih Tlatonac, and how she expected it was to be shown to her, according to custom. A few nights afterwards the priest arrived secretly, and showed her the stone. While she was holding it up, I entered the room suddenly with Don Hypolito. We saw the opal flashing like a rainbow in her hand. By Heaven, boys, I never saw such splendour in my life. We only had a glimpse of it, for as soon as the old priest saw us he snatched it out of her hand and bolted. I followed, but lost him, so the opal went back to the forest temple; and Lord only knows where that is." "Doesn't Doña Dolores know?" "No; nobody knows except the priests. They meet the worshippers on the verge of the forest and blindfold them before leading them to the shrine." "And how did Don Hypolito find out Dolores was the guardian of the opal?" asked Peter, after a pause. "Oh, the story is common property. But the opal isn't of much value to Dolores. She is called its guardian, but has nothing to do with it. Now I suppose she'll never see it again." "It's a queer story anyhow," observed Tim, reflectively; "I would like to see that jewel." "That's what I've come to see you all about," said Jack, excitedly. "I want you all to come with me to Cholacaca, and help me to marry Dolores, and get the devil stone." The three remained silent, and a shade of disappointment passed over Duval's face. "Of course, if you fellows don't care, I----" "Wait a moment, Jack," interrupted Philip, slowly. "Don't jump to conclusions. You want us to go to Central America?" "Yes." "And upset Don Hypolito's little plans?" "Exactly." "Speaking for myself," said Philip, quietly, "there is nothing I should like better. I am with you, Jack. But Peter----" "Oh, I'll come too," said the doctor, serenely, "if it's only to collect butterflies. While I'm on the spot, I may as well help. There's sure to be fighting, and I can attend to the wounded. You can depend upon me, Jack; I'll be your family physician, and physic the lot of you." "Bravo!" cried Jack, his face lighting up as he grasped a hand of each. "And what do you say, Tim?" "Your story is queer," remarked Tim, solemnly; "but mine is queerer. I'll go with the greatest of pleasure, Jack; but it so happens I'm going out to the same place for _The Morning Planet_." "What?" "It's a coincidence, anyhow, Jack. I told you I knew about Don Hypolito." "You did." "Have you seen the evening papers?" "No; I was too excited at the idea of meeting you fellows to bother about reading." "You are an ignorant person. While you've been fast in coming here, the telegraph's been faster. From all accounts, there's going to be a shindy in Cholacaca." "Dolores!" gasped Jack, turning pale.