Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1889-07-17

ever, but was conductel 70 the farther
end of the cavern, where a common
blanket drawn across a wide cavity
denoted the entrance to another apart
ment- This being drawn aside, he was
ushered into another hall, of smaller
dimensions than the first. fitted up in a
style Of almost oriental luxury. The
floor was covered by thick mating
inlald with figures, and the walls were
hung with curtains. while couches,
ottomans, etc, were dispersed about.
On one of these couches reclined In a
careless attitude man of some forty
years, or thereabout, with a dark,
piercing eye, and whiskers that any
artistic barber would love to trim. His
features were of that neutral complex.
ion which denoted the mingled blood
OF the civilized and the savage, and be
was habited more after the manner of z
successful ranchero than a leader OF
hfghwaymen-which he was. His feet
were incased in pair of worked slip
pers, and his mouth held "A costly meer-
schaum, from which he emitted clouds
of fragrant tobacco smoke. while he
supplied himself occasionally with wine
from a decanter held for him by an
Indian boy. \ small, round bottomed
guitar, inlaid with pearl. lay neglected
in a corner
'JOaquin.' said the stranger, instant.
ly comprehendlng to whom he had been
introduced.
The same, replied the highwayman,
recovering from his inertpess. what
brings you hither? Speak quickly, !
ask short questions and expect short
answers
My duty brought me within the
clutches of your ragamuffins,' replied
the captive, with assurance; 'and a,
LOT my being here, 1 suppose your eX.
ceIlency IS not at = loss for the reason.
Han! a pert youth. Not a Spaniard.
l see.'
No. If 1 were. l should have taught
you manners
'Haughty and insOlent, as usual, like
The rest of your cOuntrymen. Why
came you to these shores2'
Partly because driven from nv
home by poverty, and partly for the
sake of adventure.
You will find plenty of it here.
What is your name?'
I left that behind me?'
Well, then, your business?"
1t IS also the business of others, and
Will perish ere 1 reveal it
Bold youth I've half a mind 10
punish you for your insolence. Yet,
no-on second thought, your bearing
pleases me. You shall sup with me
first, and tell me your errand after
IN sup with you willingly, but for
my errand. when you've obtained the
secret you're welcome TO IT..
BE 1t So said Joaquin. Il will stake
my ingenuity against thine. will bet
thy liberty against thy life that win
the secret
Agreed
Away there, Sanchez Serve Il sup
pr such as an Americans palate might
crave, and while it is cooking let us
drink to thy country's prosperity and
good fortune-for, has she not been my
best friend? Jose, another bottle OF
that particular brand, used by us only
on great occasions, you understand?'
81, senor.'
The supper was ordered, and mean.
while, the wine was in readiness.
Now, then, nameless seuor, TO my
bottle, and thou TO thine
The youth filed his cup, and was
about TO drink il. when au idea flashed
upon him, Il know your purpose, he
thought, and viii defeat il If possible.
lie pretended 10 drink, and exchanging
stories of adventure and miracuIou.
exploits, seemed gradually to Yield to
tue influences of the narcotic, finally,
to the great delight of his entertainer,
allowed his chin To fail upon his breast.
and going apparently fast asleep.
This was the favorable moment.
Joaquin spTang to his feet, tore his own
false beard fIOm his face, and after
little trouble found in the lining
of the youths threadbare Jacket a
package, which he FASTENED q
pursue. Alasl brief examination
sutliced To change his eXultatiol
To despair. The papers were writ
ten in cipher, and without the AID
Of the sleeping boy they were valuelesS
SmOthering his disappointment a,
well as he might, the chief ordered two
of his aids to throw the boy upon a
mat in the corner, and guard him
closely for the rest OF the night. He
then went away.
In about an hour the captive opened
his eyes, and cautiously glanced about
him. Ills two guardians had got hold
of the flask Intended for him, and had
themselves fallen asle p i'll the midst OF
d BttLlc VI CalINS D. Ills SlUe.
NoiselesSly he arose, groped his way
to the place of exit, and, aided by the
brands of the expiring fire, about
which several were sleeping, traverse
the passage, and found himself pre-.
sently in the open air, with the star,
shining brightly above him, and Fico
cropping the grass at the end of lariat
in front of the hovel.
The youth undid the fastening
sprang into the saddle, and with tht
bullets from half dozen rifles whizzinp
past him, was almost Immediately out
Of sight, half way down the declivity.
The rest is matter of local history.
The captive lad was an emisSary Of the
government, who had ventured int
that section exclusively for the purpose
Of discovering the secret hidIng-place
of joaquin Mariata, the scourge Of the
country lying between the Sierras and
the sea.
Next week took place the memorable
expedition of Captain Love, who over.
took the retreating desperate in the
mountains, and by lucky shot placed
it beyond his power to do further harm.
The head of Joaquin has since formed
a conspicuous object of interest In the
museums.
Sneezing in Germany.