Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1888-08-04

quickly answered by an Old man who took IN
my whole dimensions before dropping tho
fastenings Of The gate, and then NOT until I
bad repeated the mama Of R~odsriquez Coma
Leo, ID Plaza di POGO, several times
Finally, appearing satisfied that I had Q
right to call, he opened tho gate just far
enough for mo to squeeze In, and then, after
again securing the f~astenings, be led the way
across q paved court, In the center Of which
was playing a miniature fountain, into a
large, cool room, and from thence into an
other which was quite dark, but as my eyes
became accustornsd to tho gloom I could zee
that II was q chamber nicely furnished, and
upon q couch In the middle Of the apartment
was the outline Of q Tecumbent form which
started up at our approach.
Ny guide spoke a few words in Spanish
and then retired, while the person upon the
couch arose and, throwing open one of the
blinds, allowed a stream Of light to enter the
apartment, and by its aid I could SEQ that /
was in the presence Of a fine looking gentle.
man somewhat past the meridian Of life but
With a tall figure still erect and with eyes
that dashed out brightly from beneath q pair
Of gray browa.
Turning be addressed me- in his native
tongue, only q few words Of which I could
understand, but by those few I know hs bade
me welcome and inquired the object Of my
visit.
replied in English, asking if I had the
pleasure Of speaking to Senior Ro~deriques
Gonzalez.
II am be- he returned in English, which
had but q slight accent. lin WHAT can I
serve your
Before I could respond his eyes fell upon
the bag. instantly his whole manner
changed. Involuntary he sprang forward
and reached out his hand asif to grasp Il,
and then collecting himself ho looked search.
tngly into my face.
THAT bag-where did you get itqn he e1-
claimed, impetuously, but in q low, subdued
voice. va
sit ,haAdfnsahimxho
sachel; "at least this is the place whore I
was instructed to leave IT."
IL the bag had contained the riches Of Col
conda he could not have received IL more
eagerly.
excuse MI a moment, but remain here,n
and with that be hurriely left theapartment.
He might have been gone perhaps ten min
utes when no returned, and approaching the
window closed the blind, which left us in
total darkness, then drawing q chair close to
mine, be inquired eagerly a. to how the bag
had come in my possession.
Igave him the whole story, described the
young Cuban, and showed him the message
which I had received the morning Of sailing.
my boy, my boy" be murmured, and
several times during the recital he broke In
upon me a. though be was about to tell me
something, but would then quickly check
himself.
At the close Of my narrative / arose to 60,
when the strange old WAn requested me to b
seated q few minutes longer, and then again
left the room.
To say that I was surprfbed at his mannel
does not express IL. There was certainly
something very mysterious In 1t all, and ]
was half tempted to sneak out of the housl
like . thief, % wrought up were my feelings
when my host again entered.
"Captain," he began, ''you have rendered
. service, the value Of which you may never
know, and Thousands yet unborn will bles,
you for 1t It Il impossible for me to repay
you for all the risk you have run, but talk
this"-thrusting packet into my hand-"al
. slight memanto OF my gratitude. l should
invite you to rsnew this call upon me, but
n would b dangerous % ~ both; even thi
may do you injury, thought trust not an
pressing my handhe unceremoniously pushe.
ma before him through q series Of hallway
and rooms to- rear entrance and left me b
wildered upon the street with the package 4
my hand which / had not had the presence
mind to refuse.
For Q moment I stoodstil, not knowing 81
actly which way to turn,sandg feeling that
had undoubtedly escapedfr q o call uponj