Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-01-16
CHAPTER TX,
THE DUEL.

Now we placed our ears against the
panelling and listened. First we heard
creaks that were loud in tho stiffness,
then soft heavy noises such as arc made
by o cat when it jumps from height to
the ground, and gentle rubbing q Of
stockinged feet upon the floor. After
this for some seconds there was silence
that presently was broken by the click
Of steel and the sound Of heavy blows
delivered upon some soft substance
with swords and knives. The murderera
were driving their weapons through
the bedclothes, thinking that we slept
beneath them. Next came whisperings
and muttered oaths, then voice, Don
Jose's, said.
BE careful, the beds are empty"
Another instant candles were lit, for
their light reached us through small
peepholes in the panel. and by putting
our eyes to these we could see all that
passed in the room. There before us
was Don Jose, Don Smith, and four Of
their companions, all armed with knives
or machotcs, while framed, as it were
in the wall, in the place that had been
occupied by the picture Of the abbot,
stood our host, Don Pedro, holding q
candle above his head, and glazing with
his Ash-like eyes into every corner Of
the room.
where are thcy?" he said. "Where
are the wizards? Find them quick and
kill them
Now the men ran to and fro about the
room, dragging aside the beds and star.
ing at the pictures on the walls as
though they expected to see us there.
"They are gone said Jose at length.
THAT Indian, Ignatio, has conjured
them away. lie is a demonio and not
man. thought 1t from the first"
"Impossiblel" cried Dom Pedro, who
was white with rage and fear. 1.-THE
door has been watched ever since they
entered it, and no living thing could
force those bars Search, search; they
must be hidden"
Search yourself" answered Don
Smith sullenly, they're not here. Per.
haps they discovered the trick OF the
picture and escaped down the passage
to the chapel
ut cannot be-" said Don Pedro again,
''for just now was in the chapel and
saw no signs Of them. We have some
traitor among us who has led them from
the house. By heaven, II | find him
out" and he uttered a fearful oath.
"Shall we bring the dogs?' asked
Jose, and I trembled at his words.
"They might smell their footing"
FOOL what is the use Of dogs in a
place where all Of you have been
tramping?' answered the father. ITO.
morrow. at dawn we will try them out
side, for these men must be found and
killed or we are ruined. Tell those
rascals TO give up the search and 70 TO
bed; 1t Is useless. Then do you come
quiet to my room, and we will visit the
Indian and his daughter. II we are to
get their secret out OF them 1t must be
done tonight, for, like fool, I told
that Englishman the story when the
wine was In me, thinking that he would
never live to repeat 1t"
Eyes, yes, II must be done tonight,
for tomorrow we may have to fly.
But what II the brutes won't speak,
father?"
I'VE will find means to make them
speak," answered the old man with .
hideous chuckle; "but whether they
speak or not. they must be silent after
ward" and he drew his hand across
bis throat and added: Come"
An hour passed while we stood In the
hole trembling with excitement, hope,
and fear, and then once more we heard
cracks, followed presently by the sound
Of voice whispering on the further
tide Of the panel.
Are you there, lord2' the whisper
said. ut is |, Luisa."
Yes answered.
Now she touched the spring and
opened the door.
Listen, she said; they have gone
10 sleep, all Of them, but before dawn
they will b. up again To search for you
lar and wide. Therefor you must do
one Of two things-lle hid here, perhaps
Tor days, or take your chance Of escape
u once"
"Ilow can we escape?' | asked.
There Is but one way, lord, through
the chapel. The door into 1t Is locked,
but can show you . place from which
the priests used TO watch those below,
and thence, II you are brave, you can
drop to the ground beneath, for the
height Is not great. Once there you
can escape into the garden through the
window over the altar, which Is broken,
as have seen from without, though to
do 50 perhaps you will have to climb
upon each Others shoulders Then you
lleht d The moon. whinh has risen.
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