Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1877-08-04


sented i'm memorandum book before me
when a knock at the door caused me t
close mn nv book and invite the person
seeking entrance to come In.
For two years / had been surgeon-gen
oral Of that portion of the army of Bueno
Avres which was stationed at B.. und1
the command of Gen. Juan Fernido. /,
connection with which office was pri
vate physician of the commander him
self who. at the time Ispeak of, was sui
fering from severe attack of fever.
The insurgent army, headed by law
less desperate calling himself Sandsivo
had taken advantage of the sickness o.
Fernido, and annoyed our army by fire.
quently shooting the scouts and making
attacks upon the weaker portion of the
camp.
The encampment of the rebels was sup
posed to be about FIVE miles north OF u.s.
and divided into small parties:
was rather surprised when, as the
door opened, a figure. closely muffled IN
a long cloak, entered the room. His
whole bearing and dress showed that he
had come on some mysterious business:
and. as I caught CLEAN in one of his
ewes which indicated uneasy restlessness,
Hooked sharply at him, vainly attempt
ing to pierce his disguise.
Removing his hat, and exposing to my
view a well-ieatured and apparently hon
est face, he returned to the door, locked
it quickly, and, returning to the place
where sat, seated himself directly oppo-
site me. placing, as he did so, small
leathern bag upon the table. looked at
him with mystitied air, not altogether
devoid Of suspicion.
You need not be alarmed" he said,
smilingly, as if he read my thoughts. 81
simply closed the door and locked it to
prevent interruption"
"You have something of Importance to
communicate to me 2" asked, looking
curiousIy at the little bag.
ssNo, small matter. That bag con-
tains few ounces of gold-yOur fee, if
Won will favor me with your advice and
assistance for a few hours. had the
misfortune to let small globule of lead
drop into friends body. and wish it re-
moved. Accidents are unavoidable, you
know, senior, and man must resent an
insult.
ga duel ?" inquired.
He smiled affirmatively.
Sand where does this friend OF yours
live, senor?" ,v
"Four miles to the north" he replied.
so near the rebel camp!"
s.You need have no fear on that score,
doctor. The wounded man has been re-
moved 20 house near by, and you are
safe i'm your professional capacity. VIII
you accompany me ?"
replied by going to my little surgery
in the next room, and returning with my
case of surgical instruments.
"a guide and two mules await us out
side the camp" he said. as we left the
room and passed the sentinels.
We logged on at a rapid pace, my COM
panion managing to fall behind me. while
the guide led the way. Little or no con-
yersation was carried on, the stranger
seeming to have lost his vivacity Of man
ner. Suddenly, as he turned sharp
rock, beyond which point the broad
spreading llono stretched, my eyes were
dazzled by an unexpected burst of light.
Not ten feet before me lay the rebel
So sudden was the dis
covery, that sat on my mule dumb
founded.
The stranger placed his hand on my
shoulder, and said:
lyon understand the affair now,
senor?'
"Yes.-I rejoined, stung by the tone in
which he spoke, and reused from my
stupor by the anger felt at being thus
easily led into the lions den. "YOu have
brought me here under false pretenses. |
regarded you as man of honor"
All means are fair i'm love and war.
Won know. doctor;" and, with light
laugh, he dismounted and led my mule
nearer the camp.
Around the camp fire were stretched
perhaps fifty or seventy-five men, who
withdrew to a short distance at sign
from a man who wore the officers garb
of the insurgents, and who came forward
as dismounted. and extended his hand.
"Welcome, doctor, hope you will par
don the motive which leads us to cause
YOU the trouble of a journey over yOnder
rugged hills, but l wished to see you on
government business :" and he led the
way to the fire, where we seated our
selves.
"Do you not reconcile me ?" he asked,
after he had lighted cigarette.
"N-no. think have seen your face
before, but cannot recall the time and
place."
III am Sandsivow
/ looked at him curiously for a mo-
ment. And this was the man who had
murdered hundred innocent children,
and pillaged and sacked every available
village on the Rossiero. Involuntairly
my eyes wandered over his face and
body.
You are looking for claws and the
Forked tail, suppose Senior Doctor ?" he
said, laughing lightly.
NO." said, boldly; ~ have not the
superstition of the ignorant. / thought
to see the mark of Cain!"
He started forward angrily, but the fire
in his eye cooled as he said:
'sThat is trifling. You have been
brought here tonight on matter which
affects materially the future interests of
the Argentine Confederation. On nv
word of honor, you shall leave here to
night safely if you accede to our wishes
if pot"
He gave significant glance. 1 knew
its meaning too well.
'sYour word of honor have had a ]
practical illustration of its value in the
conduct of my guide hither."
s'We will not speak OF that, Senior Doc
tor. You are aware that we are brave
band of persecuted-"
"Ruffians and assassins," added calm
ly.
"Didble I am almost inclined to end
this thing" he exclaimed, maddening in
stantly as he spoke. sBut to proceed
our object is to free ourselves from the
servitude imposed upon us by Juan Fer
nido and his followers. 70 do this, it is
necessary that he should be put out of
the way. You understand ?n
"Perfectly, my worthy captain; but
how does that affect me %
II am coming to that presently. We
require you to give to Juan Fernido, who
Is under your care at present, a little
drug, which will put him beyond the
power of seeking us again.