Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-18


vor me with your advice and assistance for ,
few hours. have had the misfortune to lie
a small globule of lead drop into friend
body, and wish it removed. Accidents art
unavoidable, You know, senor, and maj
mnst resent an insult"
"a duel?" inquired.
He smiled affirmatively.
And where does this friend of yours live
senorl"
-Four miles to theynorth. he replied.
80 near the rebel camp
'.You need have no fear in that score, doc
tor. The wounded man has been removed
TO a house near by, and you are safe in youi
professional capacity. Will you accompany
me!'
replied by going into my little surgery
in the next room, and returning with my
case of surgical instruments.
"a guide and two mules await us outside
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 CONVEX
sation was carried on. the strangers seeming
to have lost his vivacity of manner. Sud
denly, as We turned sharp rock. beyond
which point the broad spreading ldno stretch
ed. my eyes were dazzled by an unexpected
burst of light.
Not ten feet before me lay the rebel en-
campment So sudden was the discovery,
that l sat on my mule dumbfounded.
The stranger placed his hand on my shoul-
der and said
You understand the affair now, senor?"
"Yes, 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 pretences. regarded you
as a man of honor"
"All means are fair in love and war, you
know, DOCTOR" and, with light laugh, he
dismounted and led my mule nearer the
camp.
Around the large campfire were stretched.
| perhaps, fifty or seventy-fye men, who with
drew to a short distance at sign from a man
who wore the officers garb of the insurgents,
and who came forward rs | dismounted, and
| extended his hand.
"Welcome, doctor. hope you will par
don the motive which leads us TO cause you
the trouble of journey over yonder rugged
hills, but wished to see you on government
business and he led the way to the fire,
where We seated ourselves.
"Do you not recognize me-" he asked,
after he had lighted cigarette.
"N-no. think Il have seen your face
before, but cannot recall the time and
place"
Il am Sandsivow
looked at him curiously for n moment.
And this was the man who had murdered a
hundred innocent children and pillaged and
sacked every available village on the Ros-
ciero. Involuntarily my eyes wandered over
his face and body.
You are looking for claws and the forked
tail, suppose, Senior Doctor" he said, laugh
ing lightly.
'No," said, boldly. 81 have not the su-
perstition of the ignorant. thought to see
the mark of CaihI'
He started forward angrily, but the lire in
his eye cooled as he said:
This is trifiing. You have been brought
here tonight on a matter which affects ma
terially the future interest of the Argentine
Confederation. On my word OF honor, you
shall leave here tonight safely if you accede
to our wishes; If not"
He gave q significant glance. knew its
meaning too well.
Your word of honor! have had practi-
cal illustration of its value in the conduct of
my guide hither."
1--WE will not speak of that, Senior Doctor.
You are aware that we are brave band Of
persecuted-"
"Ruffans and assassins. | added calmly.
"Didb'e! | am almost inclined to end this
thing" be exclaimed, maddening instantly
as he spoke. but to proceed; our object is
TO free ourselves from the servitude imposed
upon us by Juan Fernido and his followers.
To do this, it is necessary that he should be
put out of the way. You understand"
Perfectly, my worthy captain; but how
does that affect me:"
II am coming to that presently. We re-
quire you to give to Juan Fernido. who is
under your care at present, little drug,
which shall put him beyond the power of
seeking us again"
"That il, killing him."
The bandit took his cigarette from his
mouth and nodded
Secondly, you are to give us the exact
position, strength, and weak points of the
camp. And, lastly, you are requested to
take an oath never to divulge what transpired
tonight"
And what do You propose TO give me, to
do this humane and loyal thing for you:
spoke in scarcsstic tone, but he mis-
took my meaning and eagerly remarked:
Fifty ounces Of gold, and the promise of
lieutenant-commander, if we succeed.
And if decline your offer 2"
"You will be tied hand and foot, bound to
log. and set floating down the Rosciero
yonder, which, two miles below, flows through
rocky mountain gorge. Death, terrible, III
eyitable death is certain"
Il reject your offer What
He leaped to the ground as he spoke, with
II fierce oath of doubt and anger. | calmly
repeated that scorned his offer. and was
willing to meet my fate.
He placed whistle to his lips, and half
dozen of his followers came up. They were
ordered to take Inc to the bank of the river,
which flowed few rods below on the HD,o,
and after short course. flowed through the
rocks near the edge of the hills
They obeyed by leading me to the place
where | was securely bound TO II log. my
night arm alone being free.
''Once more, will you accede to my re-
quests" demanded the ruiiian.
81 have decided" ! replied, calmly.
Then launch him. and DioS te de-
| was lifted and placed within the cold
waters OF the Rosciero. moment later the
swift current was bearing me onward toward
the rocky gorge.
For about half an hour. perhaps, | e1pe-
rienced no painful sensation, save cold, dull
feeling of numbness and incapacity to move.
| seemed to lie dreaming. and was being
borne through the air gently, for the current,
though swift, moved smoothly.
A. last | was aroused from my stupor by Il
keen, cold feeling of pain near my heart. 1t
WAS the chill of DEATH for suddenly my
whole frame became racked with shooting
pains, which caused my limbs to become al
most couvulsed and strain the strong withos
with which | was bound.
But what WAS the sound which now greet
ed my agitated hearing that dull hnlfsub-
dued falling of water moment later,
was borne round sharp curve in the stream
into still mercer current and the full con
seriousness of my fearful position suddenly
broke upon me-l had entered the mountain
gorge. and was fast nearing the falls.
| closed my lips firmly. in mute resigna-
tion and despair. Death, fearful, inevitable
death stared me in the face,
Suddenly. u sharp pain shot through my
left limb, If II swords point hnd entered It,
That member became free. and swung with
the motion Of the log, now to the right. now
to the left, striking ngainst the rocky bottom
of the river, and manglng it badly.
Apparently, some shnrp-pointed rock had
severed the rope, and now felt the blood
once more circulate through my veins.
Unbinding the rope 10y II severe effort, 10y
means of my left hand. had the satisfaction
of feeling that was free, and wild CLEAN
of hope shot through my SOUL but still re-
tanned my hold on the log which was rapidly
nearing the cataract, whose deafening roar
was now to be distinctly heard.
Every moment brought me nearer the falls,