Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1898-12-30
THE HEAD OF A REBEL.
A TALE OF ANILA.
BY II. CLYDE FORD,

intrigued successfully against the
native troops sent to oppose him. But
he could not hold out forever, and he,
too, was a fugitive.
Then it was that the government re-
sorted to an expcdient often tried in
Spanish countries for catching those
who will not surrender-a price was
set on Luiz Berceo's head. Placards
were posted in Manila aud throughout
the islands wherever Spanish author
ity was recognized, proclaiming re.
ward Of 10000 Mexican dollars to the
one who would bring the head of the
insurgent leader to the authorities.
My grandfather had frequently seen
these announcements and wondered
what sort of q 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 q
complacent mood, for certain docu-
ments before him related to the dispo-
tsition of the surrendered insurgent
bands who had been harossing his
chosen province for the last two years.
Suddenly, without any warning, the
door opened behind him, and a man
stepped quickly in the room, at the
same tims>slipping, the bolt again into
it's plao6 He-swas dressed like
prize - long black gown and had a
hog )6vefhis head
Peace upon you," he said, coldly,
and Don Xavier 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 L? See for yolr-
self"
The captain general gave a start of
terror, aud his face blanched 1t was
Berceo, the insurgent chief, who stood
before him.
'Listen to me, senor, and I'll tell
you 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 can't very we'll carry Mexican
dollars. i will take Spanish bank
notes. Hurry"
General Macia ground his teeth in
rage. but dared do nothing except
obey. He knew we'll the character OF
the man he was dealing with. From
desk near by he counted out the
equivalent of $40, 900 in Bank of Spain
notes aud handed them to the rebel
leader who began to back toward the
door. Good day, senor," he said po-
litely aud sprang out. 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 aud made good
his escape.
That same night grandfather sat
smoking on his wide yeranda which
looked out upon the bay, One or two
acquaintance from the ueighboring
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, fami-
liar voice'spoke:
"Senor, excuse the intrusion"
He turned around, and there stood
mis- former clerk, Juan Aguado.
why, Juan, what 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 furtively.
Eyes, entirely so; the servants have
gone to bed"
"Well, then, you want TO know all
about myself. l can tell you in q
world am Berceo."
My grandfather was a cool man,
"Come inside, it's damp here, The said,
aud 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 trumpet.
up charge, his two brothers had been