“You have each other and that is a good thing.”

William Robinson Leigh “You have each other and that is a good thing.”

They pulled themselves out of the water and sat down next to the assistant. She had something to tell them and they respected her. She was a kind young woman and they wanted to please her.

“What will you do?”

Maria spoke up, automatically, before Juana could open her mouth. She was not convinced that Juana had given up on the brothel idea and didn’t want her to tell the assistant about it. “We’re going to get goats.”

“I see.” She liked this idea. Maybe they’d go into a village and out of the path of the bad men. She continued. “I want you two to remember some things.”

“Yes?” She had their attention.

“You both have a big fortune now, much more than children should have. Guard it. Don’t flaunt what you have. Don’t buy fancy things: clothes, or jewelry or even guns. Don’t show the money you have when in public, don’t eat in fancy places.”

Juana thought this very silly. “Why have so much money if you can’t enjoy it?”

“Because it wasn’t really for you to have, little one. This is not your money, really. It is not money for a poor Indian to have, and you will be found out. You’ll be found out by the rurales or other bandits.” She looked at her hands and then out to the sea. “My girls, you’ve known many hard things, but the worst of all the hard things is not having enough to eat. You know this.”

Maria nodded solemnly.

“You now have enough money to ensure that you will eat well for many years. You have enough money to live in a comfortable home for many years. Do this, girls, and keep quiet. Be invisible.”

Juana looked up at her. “Be invisible?” Maria's Trail