San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-03-02

deserted the nimble cheater with the
the dice that he trembles so? He who
fears not to defraud a whole nation
seems to lose his courage before one
man. Coward and fool! thief and traitor!
the dogs of the city shall despise thee;
the children shall spit upon thee and
drive thee into the desert, thou serpent!'
The words seemed to revive Chalps..
He drew his breath again and began
fixed upon Eric in an unreasoning
glare. The latter made no move to
prevent him, thinking him completely
cowed, but the shock of his appearance
had dethroned Chalpa's reason. 1t was
madness that cleaned in his eye now,
and it was a madman's act that next fol-
lowed. AS he reached the table in the
center of the room he seized long iron
knife, and in an instant sprang upon
Eric. Kulcan's cry was Gilbert's warn
ing, for he had turned partly away, and
he drew his revolver instantly, but the
savage lunge made by Chalpa struck the
weapon. and it fell from his grasp.
He saw the maddened eyes, like those
of a hungry wolf, before him, and he
struck at them. The blow sent the priest
clear' across the room, but he was at
Eric before he could gain his weapon.
Another right hander-and one which in
Eric's usual condition of health would
have finished the battle-took him in the
cheek and sent him to the floor. His
weapon cut into Eric's arm in its fall,
but he did not feel the wound, for his
blood was up. A third time the priest
gained his feet and sprang at him. His
cheek had pulled up and his left eye was
partly closed; his teeth ground in frantic
rage. He came at Eric more cautiously,
with more deadly care. and made half
circle before him. Gilbert dared not
stOop for his pistol and stood prepared
to strike with all his strength, which he
felt was already waning.
Suddenly, as with the practiced box
er's perception he watched the cleaning
eyes before him, he saw their purpose
change, and then he saw or felt that
the priest was about to throw the knife.
His hand was raised, and his fingers
lessened their hold upon the blade, and
then Eric saw flash, Il loud report rang
through the room, and Chalpa dropped
the knife and fell prone upon his face.
He rose in moment to his knees in
cOnvulsive effort and strained every
muscle to gain his feet. His body swayed
forward thrice; then, with his empty
hands reaching forward with a wild,
clutching motion, he fell on his face
again, dead.
Jan-ila stood in the doorway with the
smoking rifle in his hand and a smile of
mixed wonder and cOmplacency on his
face.
you have killed him. cried Eric as
he placed the now unconscious girl upon
his bed.
Yes" said Listah, appearing behind
Jan-ila and looking somewhat askance
at the rifle. He would have killed you.
He deserved his death; it is justice"
Thanks to the gods" interposed Jan
lila, che is now out of the way. can
breathe easier"
Eric cut the bonds that confined Kul-
cans limbs, and as he did so Jan-ila
cried out:
"SOme one COmes!"
AS he spoke Tepelpec stood in the
doorway, and after giving one look at
the PROSTATE form of his dead accom-
plice turned and was lost in the dark
ness. Listah called to him, but received
no answer; they only heard his rapid
footballs as he hurried toward the city.
He has gone to get help" said Jan
lila. 1--WE may have to defend ourselves
until we can summon our own forces.
will go to the city and arouse our
friends"
mo, let me CO." suggested Listah.
81 am too old to be of as much use here
as you"
Eyes, Listah can CO." said Eric, HE
can best serve US so, and meanwhile if
we have to fight we can hold this place
against a thousand until he brings help.
Listah departed Immediately. They
carried the corpse of Chalpa out and laid
it upon blanket.
"NOw for preparationsv' cried Eric.
First let US wet down the roof, for if
they fight us they may try to fire that
first"
This they set about doing at once. AS
they worked they heard sounds in the
city which told them that the people
had been aroused by the rifle shot. They
could see lights moving upon the roof
and hear the shouts of the people.
little later they saw group approach
ing the house which was now to be ;
fortress. 1t was too dark to distinguish
the features Of those approaching, anC
they retired within doors to await them
The group halted within a hundre,