"From Juanita?" asked Nan. "More about the treasure?"

"Oh! The treasure!" added Bess, in delight. "I had almost forgotten
about that."

"Listen!" exclaimed the ranch girl. "She writes better English than
she speaks. I should not wonder if there were an English school
down in Honoragas."

"Is she home again, then?" demanded Nan.

"So it seems. Listen, I say," and Rhoda began to read:

"'Miss R. HAMMOND,

"'ROSE RANCH.

"'_Dear Miss_:--

"'I have arrived to my mother at Honoragas, and I take this pen in
hand to let you know that Juan Sivello, Lobarto's nephew, who has
come from the South--he is one of those who lisp--'"

"What does she mean by that?" interrupted Bess, in curiosity.

"The Mexicans of the southern provinces--many of the--do not
pronounce the letter 's' clearly. They lisp," explained Rhoda. "Now
let me read her letter." Then she pursued: