Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-09

Build not upon it." he said. "Any mo-
ment may see the court upon Its way to
Mons. Meanwhile the Red Dragon Of the
Mirandos must quit Brussels ere evil be-
tide. The responsibility Is on my Shout
ders, end 1 would it were not so.- You
trust MaErique, lady?"
"Ay, seigneur; for his heart first beat in
CASTLE; his eyes have mirrored the noun
tains of Toledo: he hath seen my home.
Ay, Miranda, Mirandor' she cried, flush
Frightening her cheek and a mist rising In
her eyes, would that thou vert this good,
honest soldiers destination rather than
Mons, and I his charge instead Of this red
Mexican stoneo'
She turned to bureau as she spoke, I'M
locked 1t, and brought forth an ivory cask-
ct. about two inches in height. and with
the circumference of a penny-piece.
At sight Of 1t Manrique shock his head.
Il cannot assure the safety Of concern
so bulky he declared. Give me your dla-
mond, and that shall be safe; but II III
fall upon this receptacle, I hold myself
un blamed."
Opening her little casket, Donna Doro-
thea displayed the historic treasure which
it contained; and even Manrique was
tacle Of an extraordinary diamond. 1t ap-
peared alive to its core with light, with fire
and wondrous brilliance; for living, pal
plating drop of pure adamt mt was the
Red Dragon" clear as crystal, with every
facet star. The diamond, though not
really red. had an Infinitely fine, rose-pink
hue, and 1t cleaned from the bezel of a
heavy gold ring.
"'Tis thus i picture an angels tear"
said Donna Dorcthea.
Velasco took it from the countess and
exhibited 1t to Manrique, who carefully
and silently examined the glorious stone
This diamond" said he at length must
be removed from it's gold IN mounting"
Inc lady gave permission, and Velasco,
with little left-handed dagger, pricked
the diamond from out the ring; next he
10
both to Manrique while, lastly. he return
ed the gold setting to it's owner.
The soldier new consented to be absolute
ly responsible for the diamond, but his
mistress asked another question before he
departed.
Pardon woman's curiosity, Manrique,"
SAID the countess as he was about to re-
tire with the Red Dragon" safe in it's
ivory case beneath his breastplate. For
give woman. and tell me this much Can
it be thou wilt dare to swallow the
Dragon" l ask for thy good. One did so
Tor years aGone, and persisted miserably -
Nay. countess; for in truth 1t were death
70 swallow this creature of razor edges.
'TWould stick fast in some organ of vital
existence. Gnd so make an end of me. This
Red Dragon would of surety Stay any
who offered to him the hospitality Of his
body. Moreover. the sword of a foe might
make rough quest and find it there d.
So saying Manrique bowed low, and took
his leave Count de Velasco accompanied
MIN, having somewhat to say. and that
pertient. He directed the soldier to set
forth at midnight by way of the Cauden-
berg Gate. gave him at the time a pass
word. and then babe him begoDe
R eCollec. that speed is above all essen
tlal was the counts last advice. Take
the fieetest steed thou knowest and bur-
den not myself with many weapons to
retard thy progress. Thy mission is a
secret, and thou wilt not be :noeSted''
Then the soldier withdrew and half an
Eour later was back in his home under the
double towers of the Church of St. Gudule.
ManriGues preparations were soon made.
He bid the woman who saw to his needs
prepare meal better than common, and
have it ready for him at dusk. Then he put
off his mall locked himself into his solitary
room and was invisible for some hours.