Serafina's Stories by Rudolfo Anaya

Author:Rudolfo Anaya
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781504011792
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

Two Compadres

Long ago there lived two compadres who were different in many ways. Vicente was an honest merchant who had acquired a small fortune. He thanked God for his good luck. His compadre Manuel was also a businessman, but envious of Vicente. Manuel thought Vicente had acquired his wealth with God’s help.

Because there were thieves on the roads, they often traveled together for protection. One day they loaded their mules with goods and set out for Puerto de Luna. On the way they began to argue.

—Who profits more, asked Manuel, the man who rises early or the man whom God helps?

—The man whom God helps, replied Vicente.

—I don’t trust in God, said Manuel. I have what I have because I work for it. Granted, you have more riches than I, but I still say I don’t need God’s help. Let’s make a bet as to who is right, and the first three people we meet on the road will be our judges. If I win you must give me everything you own, and I will take out your eyes and leave you in the desert.

Vicente thought this was not a good bet to make, but he trusted in God. He would agree to the bet to teach his compadre a lesson, but he had no need for his compadre’s goods. Certainly he would never think of blinding him.

The Devil who always traveled the road looking for an opportunity to grab a sinful soul overheard the bet. Here’s my chance to take a man’s soul, he thought. He quickly dressed as an honest man, mounted a horse, and rode toward the two compadres. They greeted him.

—Señor, said Manuel. My friend and I have a bet. Help us settle it. Who profits more in life, the man who gets up early to work or the man God helps?

The Devil could hardly bear to hear the name of God much less utter it.

—He who gets up early, he said and quickly rode away.

—I’m winning, said Manuel to Vicente.

Down the road the Devil appeared again dressed as a man carrying his goods on his back. The two compadres stopped him and explained the bet. Again the Devil said the man who gets up early profits.

—That’s two votes for me, said Manuel.

Vicente was surprised. He knew the hard-working people of the region, and they all put their faith in God. Something was wrong.

Next the Devil appeared driving a fancy buggy. They asked him the same question and the Devil sputtered,

—Don’t trust in God! Then he quickly rode away.

—I win, said Manuel. You must sign this paper giving me all your properties and fortune.

After Vicente signed the paper, Manuel came up behind him and put out his eyes.

Vicente cried in pain.

—Oh, cruel friend. I have given you everything I own. I didn’t expect you would be so evil as to tear out my eyes.

—A bet’s a bet, said Manuel. He took all of Vicente’s mules and goods and hurried back to claim his properties, leaving his blind compadre alone.

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