The Empire County argus., 1854-10-07

phldce JuSG opposite inc granu piazza n h'tio po
fore midnight man wrapped in cloak was watch
ing them from behind the statue of Ferdinand,
near the fountain, and, after observing that the
two soldiers acting rs sentinels paced their brief
walk so as to meet each other, and then turn their
backs as they separated, leaving brief moment in
the interval when the eyes of both were turned
away from the entrance they were placed to guard,
seemed to calculate upon passing them unobserved.
1t was an exceedingly delicate man@uvre, and re-
quired great and de1terity to effect it; but at
last it was adroitly done, and the stranger sprang
lightly through the entrance, secreting himself
behind of the pillars in the inner court of the
palace The sentinels paced on undisturbed
The figure which had thus stealthily effected an
entrance now sought the broad stairs that led to
the Governors suite of apartments, with conf
dence that evinced perfect knowledge of the
place. second guard post was to be passed at
the head of the stairs; but, assuming air of au
thority the stranger offered cold military salute
and passed forward as though there was not the
most distant question of his right to do; and
thus avoiding all suspicion in the guards mind he
boldly entered the Governors reception room un-
challenged, and closed the door behind him. In
large easy chair sat the commander-in- busily
engaged in writing, but alone. An expression of
undisguised satisfaction passed across the weather.
beaten countenance Of the new conner at this state
of affairs he coolly cast off his cloak and tossed
it over his arm, and then proceeded to wipe the
perspiration from his face. The Governor, looking
up with SURPRISE fixed his keen eyes upon the ntru-
der
"Who enters here, unannounced at this hour?'
he asked, sternly while he regarded the stranger
earnestly.
"One who has information of value for the Gov
ernor-General. You are Tacon supposed"
81 am. What would you wish with mee or
rather how did you pass my guard unchalenged!"
"Of that anon. Excellency, you have offered q
handsome reward for information concerning the
rovers of the gulf'!"
'lIa yes. What of them?" said Tacon, with
undisguiSed interest.
"Excollency, | must speak with caution y con-
tinued the new conner; otherwise may condemn
and sacrifice myself"
"You have naught to fear on that head. The
offer of reward for evidence against the scape-
graces also vouchsafes pardon to the informant.
You may speak on, without fear for yourself, even
though you may be one of the very confederation
itself"
"You offer reward, also, in addition, for the
discovery of Marti-Captain Marti of tho snug
glers-do you mott"
''We do, and will gladly make good the promise
of reward for any and all information upon the
subject" replied Tacon.
First, Exccllency, do you give me your knightly
word that you will grant free pardon to me, if
reveal all that you require to know, embracing
the most secret hiding places of the rovers!"
Il pledge you my word Of honor" said the COM
mAnder
"No matter how heinous in the sight of the law
my offences may have been, still you will pardon
me- under the kings seal!"
81 will if you reveal truly and to any good pur-
pose," answered Tacon weighing in his mind the
purpose of all this precaution.
Even if were leader among the rovers my
selfan
The governor hesitated for moment, canvassing
in single glance the subject before him, and then
said:
even then, be you whom you may if you are
able and will honestly pilot our ships and reveal
the secrets of Mart and his followers, you shall be
rewarded as proffer sets FORTH and yourself re-
ceive free pardon"
"Excellency, think know your character we'll
enough to trust you, else should not have ven.
tured here.'
Speak, then; my time is precious" was the i'm
petient reply of Tacon.
Then Excellency, the man for whom you have
offered the largest reward, dead or alive is now
before you.''
"And you are"
"Marti.'
The Governor-General drew back in astonsh-
ment, and cast his eyes towards brace of pistols
that lay within reach of his right hand but it was
only for single moment, when he again assumed
entire selfcontrol, and said:
81 shall keep my promise sir, provided you are
faithful, though the laws call loudly for your pun
ishment, and even now you are in my power. To
insure your faithfuness you must remain at present
under guard" Saying which he rang silver bell
by his side and issued verbal order to the attend
ant who answered it. Immediately after, the Off
Ger of the watch entered, and Mart was placed in
confinement, with orders to render him comfortable
until he was sent for. His name remained secret
with the commander and thus the night scene