The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-12-14

lnSurpent leauef 10 the AUTHORITIES.
My grandfather had frequently seen
these announcements and wondered
what sort of man it was who caused
the captain-general so much annoy
ance. Both the captain general and
himself were soon to know
One afternoon the captain general
sat alone in his office. He was in
complacent mood, for certain docu-
ments before him related to the dispo-
sition of the surrendered iusurgent
bands who had been harassing his
chosen province for the last two years.
Suddenly, without any warning, the
door opened behind him, and man
stepped quickly in the room. Mt the
same time slipping the bolt again into
its place. He was dressed like
priest in long black gown and had
hood over his head
peace upon you," he said, coldly.
and Don Zavier Macia turned in his
chair.
''Who are you and what do you
want?"
''Do not talk too loud," said the
visitor. pushing back the cowl from
his face. "Who am /? See for your
self"
The captain general gave n start of
terror, and his face blanched. 1t was
Berceo, the insurgent chief, who stood
before him.
'Listen TO me, senor, and I'll tell
yon what / want. You have offered
$40, 900 for my head. See. have
brought it myself and claim the
money"
Berceo stepped nearer and drew
from under his cloak long native
knife.
II cant very we'll carry Mexican
dollars. / will take Spanish bank
notes. Hurry"
General Macia ground his teeth in
rage, but dared do nothing except
obey. He knew well the character OF
the man he was dealing with. From
a desk near by he counted ont the
equivalent of $40, 900 in Bank of Spain
notes and handed them to the rebel
leader who began to back toward the
door. Good day, senor," he said po-
litely and sprang ont A guard at the
end of the hall tried To refrain him, but
Berceo cut him down with the knife,
and then throwing off his monks garb
he reached the street and made good
his escape.
That same night grandfather sat
smoking on his wide vcranda which
looked out upon the bay. One or two
acquaintances from the neighboring
compounds had dropped in for chat,
but by 10 o'clock he was alone again
AS he sat dreamily gazing out at the
twinkling lights on the ships at an
chor, he heard step on the stairway
behind him; he thought it was his Chi
nese servant. Soon, however, a fami-
liar voice spoke:
''Senor, excuse the intrusion.
He turned around, and there stood
his former clerk, Juan Aguadc.
why, Juan, what a pleasure! But
how you startled me! Come, sit down,
and tell me all about YOURSELF"
Aguado smiled. "Are we quite
alone, senor?" he asked, glancing
around furtivcly.
'Yes, entirely SO; the servants have
gone to bed.
'Well, then, You want to know all
about myself. l can tell you in a
world am Berceo."
My grandfather was cool man.
"Come inside, it's damp here, "he said,
and led the way to room back of the
veranda.
Briefly Aguado told him what had
taken place in the last two years.
, The man that had called upon him
the day he left brought evil news. His
home village had been destroyed, and
his father, petty official up country,
had been imprisoned on some trumped-
. up charge, his two brothers had been
killed in fight with their Spanish
! guards. He had long known what
Spanish rule was in the out provinces
but, alas, his revolution did not
succeed.
Next he told how he had just braved
the captain-general in his very palace
q and wrungfr"m him the price set upon
r his own head.
: "By tue grace of God / escaped bu,
4 it will not be for long, unless, senior,
r You help me-"
I "Not knowing what should have
4 done III you. place, Juan, saiu grand
e father, slowly. 'Tm not the man to
I see you handed over to General Dor
Tavier Macia, anyway. Let me
think"
+ After while grandfather said: 81
n think have it. A captain friend ot
e mine sails for Hong Kong on the morn
8 ing breeze. If can get you on board
s his ship You are safe. Come, put OF
i some Of my clothes. don't think
! the authorities will be looking for yor
} here; they don't know that I4niz Bsrcet
. Is such dear friend Of mine. aud