The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1896-01-10

the senior. our past experience mas nUU
been such as to cause US to desire to
have anything more to do with you.
May / remind you that, putting aside
other matters. last night you attempted
to stab ne?@
''Seuor." answered the man with
every sign of contrition. If did this it
was because terror and madness pos
sessed me. and most humbly DO | beg
your pardon for the deed. l know
that YOU have heard an Ill report of my
father, and, to speak the truth, at
times when the liquor is in him he is
baa and violent old man. yet he has
this virtue. that he loves me. his son.
and all those who are good to me.
/ Therefore. in his name and my own, L
pray that you will forget the past and
accept of our hospitality for some few
DAYS. or at least until you have re-
covered from your fatigue and are able
to furnish you with arms and horses to
help you forward on your Journey
Certainly we Sdesire to buy mules
and guns" answered the senior, land if
you think that your father will be able
/ to supply these we will avail ourselves
of your kindness and pass a night or
/ two at his hacienda"
Ten minutes later we were on the
road
Before we went, however, we babe
warm farewell to the sailors. and also
| to the alcalde of the village, all of
whom were somewhat disturbed on
/ learning that we proposed TO sleep at
/ Santa Cruz.
! THE place has an evil name" said
| the alcalde, and is a home of thieves
| and smugglers. Only last week cargo
/ vvaD+ ~, tho ~
| They say that Don Pedro was fathered
/ BY the devil in person. May the saints
protect you from him. lord"
I'VE have business that takes us to
/ this house, friend, answered. still,
/ doubtless. it will be easy for you to
/ keep Yourself informed of what chances
/ in that neighborhood. and if we should
not appear again within few days,
perhaps it viii please YOU TO advise the
authorities at Campeche that we are
missing"
The authorities are afraid of Don
/ Pedro. answered the alcalde, shaking
/ his head: also he brides them SO heavi-
/ " that they grow blind when they look
/ his way. Still | will do the best [ can,
be sure of that; and as an Inglese is
with you, it is possible that | may be
able to get help if necessary"
Our walk that day was long and hot.
though at length we came within sight
of this hacienda. We reached the gate
wav and entered the courtyard, where
we were met by many fierce dogs,
which rushed upon US from all sides.
Don Jose beat back the dogs, that knew
him. and. leaving us under the charge
of Some half breeds, he entered the
house.
After awhile he returned again and
led us through the passage into the
dininr-haIl Several lamps were hung
upon its walls, and by their light we
| saw FIVE or six people gathered round
long table waiting for supper. Toward
the far end of the chamber, a hammock
was swung from the beams in the roof,
in which lay a man whom a handsome
girl. also Indian, was employed in rock
ing to and fro.
sCome and lie introduced to my
father. who expects you," said Don
Jose. leading the way toward the ham
mock. Father, here is that brave
| Englishman who saved my life last
night. and with the Indian gentleman,
who did not wish to save my life. As L
TOLD YOU. have offered them hospitali-
tv on your behalf, feeling sure that they
would be welcome here"
At the sound of his sons voice Don
Pedro awoke, or pretended to awake,
from his doze, and babe the girl cease
swinging the hammock. Then he sat
up and looked at us. He was short,
stout man of about sixty years OF age,
so short. indeed, that, although the
hammock was hung low, his legs did
not touch the floor. Notwithstanding
his lack of stature, Don Pedro's appear
ance was striking, while the long, care
fully brushed white hair gave him a
venerable aspect.
.Seror. I am grateful to you, and
this house and all within it is at your
DISPOSAL and that of your companions"
and he glanced with genuine affection
at the coarse, beetle-browed man beside
him. who was gnawing one end OF his
mustache and staring at US ont of the
corner of his eyes.
Tell me-" he added, ito what do l
owe the honor of your presence
TO an accident. Don Pedro" the
senior answered. ''As it chances the
ruins of this ancient land interest me
much. and | was travelling 70 Palenque
with nv Indian friend. Don IgnatiO,
when we were so unfortunate as to be
wrecked near your hOspitable house.
In our dilemma we accepted the invita-
ton of YOUR son to visit you. in the hope
that you may be able to sell Us some
guns and mules
Ruins. Senior Strickland. Decidedly
YOU Englishmen are strange. Supper
will be served shortly; till then. adiOs.
Girl. go with them" he added, address
ing the woman who had been engaged
in swinging the hammock; water NAV
be wanted and other things"
The girl bowed and went auay.and at
the door we found her standing, lamp
in hand. TO light US down the passage.
We'll. when you are ready, said Don
Jose. will you come to supper? You
will not lose the way. for you can fol-
low the smell of the food, and he left
the room.
.'One moment" said, addressing the
girl. who was about 10 accompany him;
perhaps you will see that our serv-
ant" and l pointed to Molas, has
some meat brought TO him here, since
your masters viii not wish him to sit at
table
Isl answered the girl. whose name
was Luisa. searching my face with her
eyes
Bv this time Don Jose was through
the door. which the draught pushed to
behind him. watched 1t close, then
thought struck me, for remembered