more precious
than gold, how do I know but that at a nearer view it will appear to you
a shadow, and when tested will seem but base metal? I give you two years
to weigh and ponder well what will be right to choose or reject. Before
you buy a jewel, which you can only get rid of by death, you ought to
take much time to examine it, and ascertain its faults or its merits. I
do not assent to the barbarous licence which these kinsmen of mine have
assumed, to forsake their wives or chastise them when the humour takes
them; and as I do not intend to do anything which calls for punishment,
I will not take for my mate one who will abandon me at his own caprice."

"You are right, Preciosa," said Andrew; "and so if you would have me
quiet your fears and abate your doubts, by swearing not to depart a jot
from the conditions you prescribe, choose what form of oath I shall
take, or what other assurance I shall give you, and I will do exactly as
you desire."

"The oaths and promises which the captive makes to obtain his liberty
are seldom fulfilled when he is free," returned Preciosa; "and it is
just the same, I fancy, with the lover, who to obtain his desire will
promise the wings of Mercury, and the thunderbolts of Jove; and indeed a
certain poet promised myself no less, and swore it by the Stygian lake.
I want no oaths or promises, Senor Andrew, but to leave everything to
the result of this novitiate. It will be my business to take care of
myself, if at any time you should think of offending me."

"Be it so," said Andrew. "One request I have to make of these senores
and comrades mine, and that is that they will not force me to steal
anything for a month or so; for it strikes me that it will take a great
many lessons to make me a thief."

"Never fear, my son," said the old gipsy; "for we will instruct you in
such a manner that you will turn out an eagle in our craft; and when you
have learned it, you will like it so much, that you will be ready to eat
your hand, it will so itch after it. Yes, it is fine fun to go out
empty-handed in the morning, and to return loaded at night to the
rancho."

"I have seen some return with a whipping," said Andrew.

"One cannot catch trouts dry shod," the old man replied: "all things in
this life have their perils: the acts of the thief are liable to the
galleys, whipping, and the scragging-post; but it is not because one
ship encounters a storm, or springs a leak, that others should cease to
s