The Mistery of Belicena Villca
When passing through Fuerte Quemado , I could not help but remember that in that site Diego de Rojas camped four centuries earlier , when he was marching in persecution of Lito de Tharsis . He had not been able to locate the Pucará de Tharsy , despite staying in Tafí del Valle for months . However , would I make it ? I believed so ; that Belicena Villca ' s indications were very precise and I would get to the Farm ; and that I would interview the indian , Segundo , the unusual descendant of the People of the Moon . And optimism had not abandoned me when arriving at Santa María .
As I crossed the bridge over the Santa María River , I looked at the clock : half past seven in the afternoon . It had taken me five hours from Cafayate and it was getting dark . Despite my impatience to get to my Uncle Kurt ' s house as soon as possible , I had decided to wait for the night to fulfill the promises to Mom as for prudence and security .
I stopped the car in front of another house of regional articles to buy the famous products of the area : paprika , syrup , raisins and wine . After I had paid for the purchase , I entertained myself by inquiring from the seller about the Fray Mamerto Esquiú street . So I knew I was going from East to West , going to end in the Santa María River , which is one of the peripheral limits of the city and runs from North to South . – Number 95 – I thought – must be near the river , perhaps in the last block . – Are you looking for someone on Esquiú street ? Maybe I can help you --the seller surprised me with his question . Ah the small-town curiosity !
But I was not impressed . – Yes , I ' m looking for a poncho saleswoman --I lied-- . In Salta they gave me the approximate address as they did not remember it exactly .
– A saleswoman of ponchos on Esquiú street ? Uhm ... no , unfortunately I don ' t know of any poncho saleswoman who lives in the Esquiú street ... But tell me , what kind of ponchos are you looking for ? Because I have a good assortment . And at a good price ...
A while later I came out with my original purchase plus a white poncho from Catamarca with Incaic guard .
I chose a second-rate tavern for dinner , but that according to the seller of regional products , prepared the best rabbit stew in the Yocavil valley . As soon as I settled in a secluded table , I confirmed the correctness of the choice , for this was a place frequented by vendors and business travelers in which no one was surprised by the presence of a stranger .
I was savoring the dessert , cayote marmalade with walnuts , when a boy in rags offered to polish my boots .
There is an age --I thought with discouragement-- childhood , that all animals of nature use to play and frolic , protected by their parents and other adult members of the population . The human being on the other hand cannot guarantee their children the enjoyment of living the most beautiful age as it should be lived : enjoying the fantasy .
In principle , I hate children working for profit and my first impulse was to drive away that shoeshiner ; but an idea occurred to me in that instant and I extended my right foot in mute acceptance . He was a changuito about seven years old and of undoubted indian ancestry . He began by washing and ointmenting the boots , and then , through vigorous massages with a canvas band , try to get the desired shine . – What ' s your name ? --I asked , seeking to gain his trust . – Antonio Huanca , Sir --he answered quickly . – Tell me Antonio , do you live far from here ? He raised his little hairy head and looked at me with a questioning gesture in his eyes . At last he shrugged and pointing to an undefined place he said : – Uuuf , very far Sir , over there , on the other side of the river . I decided that my question had been unfortunate . I should try again but this time I would be more direct : – Do you know Esquiú street ? He was thoughtful for a moment , but immediately his little face lit up : – Yes sir ; it is the one at the end of the city . If you go by this straight --he pointed to the street of the tavern-- you will find it when the pavement is finished . Right where the pavement ends is Esquiú Street , yes Sir .
He spoke without stopping polishing and at that rate it would soon be over . I bent down a little in order to speak without raising my voice and I said : – I ' m going to see Cerino Sanguedolce , do you know him ? He laughed while licking his lips . – The candy maker ? Who does not know Don Cerino , Sir ? He stretched his little head and said in a confidential tone :
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