Juana's superstitions

After Coyotito was stung by the scorpion, Juana calls on the ancient words, as well as prayers to God.

Under her breath Juana repeated an ancient magic to guard against such evil, and on top of that she muttered a Hail Mary between clenched teeth.

Juana looked away from the pearl, not wishing to want too much, not wanting to have the luck taken away.

Juana sensed his excitement, and she pretended to look away. It is not good to want a thing too much. It sometimes drives the luck away. You must want it just enough, and you must be very tactful with God or the gods.