Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-21
CHAPTER III.

Three DAYS had passed. AT the close
OF the third Don Jose was seated in a
cosy private apartment of the San Mateo
Hotel, where they had halted for an ar
ranged interview with his lawyer before
reaching San Francisco. From his win
dow he could see the surrounding park
like avenues of oaks and theleyel, white,
high road, now and then clouded with
the dust Of passing teams. But his eyes
were persistently fixed upon a small copy
OF the American Constitution before
him. Suddenly there was quick rap on
his door, and before he could reply to it
man brasquely entered.
Don Jose raised his head slowly and
recognized the landlord. But the in
truder, apparently awed by the gentle,
grave, and studious figure before him,
fell back for an instant In attitude Of
surly apology.
Enter freely, my good Jenkinson, l"
said Don Jose, With quiet courtesy
that had oil the effect Of irony. 1.-THE
apartment, such as it is, it at your dispo-
alton. 1t ia even yours, as is the house. ="
"Well, Tn darned if / know as it is, !"
said the landlord, recovering himself
roughly, "and that's Just what's the mat
ter Yer's that man Of yours smashin'
things right and left in the bar-room and
chuckin my waters through the win
dow
"Softly, softly, good Jenkinson, y said
Don Jose, putting a mark in the pages OF
the volume before him. at is necessary
first that | should correct your speech.
lie is not my man which l compre-
bend to mean q slave, hireilng-a thing
obnoxious to the great American nation,
which admire and to which he belongs.
Therefore, good Jenkinson, say friend,
companion, guide, philosopher, If
you will. As TO the rest, 1t is OF no
doubt as you relate. l myself have
heard the breaking Of glass and small
dishes as | sit here; three times have l
seen your waters projected into the road
with much violence and confusion. 10
myself have then said, even as | say to
you, good Jenkinson, patience, pa
tience-the end is not far In four
hours, continued Don Jose, holding up
four fingers, she shall make finish.
Until then-not
"Well, I'm d-dl" calculated Jenkin-
son, gasping for breath in his indigna-
ton.
may. excellent Jenkinson, not damn
ed, but OF a possibility damaged.
That shall repay. when he have made
finish.
but d-n it all !" broke in the land
lord angrily--
"Ah," said Don Jose gravely, "you
would be paid before. Good For how
much shall you value all you have in
your bar :"
Don Jose's imperturbability evidently
shook the landlords faith in the sound
ness of his own position. he looked at
his guest critically and audaciously.
alt cost me $500 to fit it up, he said
CURLY.
Don Jose rose, and taking buckskin
purse from bis saddle-bag counted out
four slugs+ and handed them to the stu
pefed Jenkinson. The next moment,
however, his host recovered himself,
and casting the slugs back on tie little
table, brought his fist down with an en-
phasis that made them dance.
"But look yer-suppose L want this
thing-you hear me-st0pped-now?
"Ihat would be interfering with the
liberty OF the subject, my good Jenkin-
son-which God forbid " said Don Jose
calmly. Moreover, it is the custom of
the AmerfcdnOs- habit of my friend
Roberto-a necessity of his existence
and so recognized of his friends Pa
thence and courage, Senior Jenkinson.
Stay-ah, / comprehend-you haye-of
possibility-a wife ?"
"No, I'm a widower," said Jenkinson
sharply.
"Then congratulate you. My friend
Roberto would have kissed her. 1t is
also of his habit. Truly Won have es-
capped much. embrace you, Jenkin-
son."
He threw his arms grayely around
Jenkinson, in whose astounded face at
last an expression OF dry humor family
dawned. After moments survey Of
Don Jose's inpenetrable gravity he
coolly gathered up the gold coin and
saying that he would assess the damages
and return the difference, he left the
room as abruptly IS he had entered it.
But Don Jose was not destined to re-
main long in peaceful study Of the
American Constitution. he had barely
taken up the book again and renewed
his serious contemplation Of its excel
lencies, when there was another knock
at his door. This time, in obedience to
his invitation to enter, the new visitor
approached with more deliberation and
certain formalty.
lie WAS young man OF apparently
the same age as Don Jose, handsomely
dressed, and of a quiet self-possession
and gravity almost equal to his hosts.
81 believe l am addressing Don Jose
Sepulvida," he said with u familiar yet
courteous inclination of his handsome
head. Don Jose, who had risen in
marked contrast to his reception OF his
former guest, answered
"Nou are truly making to him great
honor"
"Well, you're going it blind as far as
I'm concerned certainly" said theyoung
man with slight smile, "for you don't
know me-"
Pardon, my friend" said Don Jose
gently, Gin this book this great Iesta-
ment of your glorious Dstion-I have
read that you are all equal, one not
above. one not below the other-I salute
in you-the Nation it is enough
"Thank YOU" returned the stranger
with face that, saving the faintest
twinkle in the corner OF his dark eyes,
was immovable as his hosts, but for
the purposes of my business had bet
ter say | AN Jack Hamln, a gambler,
aud am just now dealing faro IN the
Florida saloon round the corner"
He paused carelessly as if to allow
Don Jose the protest he did not make,
and then continued.
1.-THE matter is this. One Of your ga
o,ieros-who is, however, an American
was round there an hour ago bucking
against faro, and put up and iost, not
only the mare he was riding but horse
which / have just learned is yours. Now
we reckon-over there-that we can
make enough money playing a square
1890, ,,;fhout haip0 obliged In take ur0. |