Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1899-04-05

himself were soon to know.
 One afternoon the captain-general sat alone in his office. He was in q compIacent mood, for certain docu. ments before him related to the dis position of the surrendered insurgent bands who had been harrassing his chosen province for the last two years Suddenly, without any warning, the door opened behind him and a man stepped quickly into the room, at the same time slipping the bolt again into it's place. He was dressed like priest in q long black gown and had . hood over his head.
 "Peace upon You," ne said cooly anG Don Xavier Macia turned in his chair. sWho are you and what do you wantY
 Do not talk too loud." said the visit or, pushing back the cowl from his face. ''Who am 1? See for yourself" The captain general gave , start of terror and his face bIancAed. 1t was Berceo, the insurgent chief, who stood before him.
 "Listen to me, senor, and I'll tell you what 1 want. You have offered S40,- 900 for my head. See I have brought 1t myself and claim the money.
 
 under his cloak a long knife. ''I can't very well carry Mexican dol lars. will take Spanish bank notes, HurryI'
 General Macia ground his teeth in rage, but dared do nothing except obey, He knew well the character of the 1 man he was dealing with. From desk near by he counted out the equivalent of $40,000 in bank notes and hand ed them to the rebel leader, who be- gan to back toward the door, "Good day, senor," he said politely, and sprang out A guard at the end of the hall tried to restrain him, but Bereeo 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 veranda, whicll looked out upon the bay. One or two acquaintanees from the neighboring | compounds had dropped in for a chat, but by 10 o'clock he was alone again, AS he sat dreamily gazing out at the twinkling lights on the ships at anchor, he heard a step on the stairway be- i hind him; he thought it was his Chi
  iliar voice spoke:
 "Senor, excuse the intrusion"
 He turned around and there stood hi9 former clerk. Juan Aguado.
 "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 furtiyely.
 "Yes, entirely so; the servants have gone to bed"
 Well, then, you want to know all about myself. I eqn tell you in a word -I am Berceo."
 My grandfather was a cool man. i s'Come inside, it's damp here,' he said, and led the way to q 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, a petty official up country, lad been imprisoned on some trumped-up charge, his two brothers had been kill. ed in a fight with their Spanish guards. He had long known what Spanish rule
  his revolution did not succeed.
 Next he told how he had just braved the captain-generaI in his very palace and wrung from him the price set upon his own head.
 By the grace of God, escaped; but 1t will not be for long, unless, senor, you help me"
 Not knowing what I would have done in your place Juan," said grand. father slowly, I'm not the man to sec you handed over to Gen. Don Xavier Macia, anyway. Let me think"
 After a while, grandfather said: q think I have it. 4 captain friend of mine sails for Hong Kong on the morn. Ing breeze. If l can get you on board his ship you are safe. Come, put on some of my clothes. I don't think the authorities will be looking for you here; they don't know that Luiz Berceo Is such dear friend of mine, and I think we can get out to the ship all right"
 Talking English they made their way a sampan. They looked like two be- lated English captains going out to their ships.
 A half mile out in the bay lay the John Dorset, ready to weigh anchor My grandfather hailed, and, when the captain appeared, he climbed on board, leaving Aguado below in the boat. Grandfather drew the captain below and told him who the man was in the sampan, and what he wanted. Capt Higgins of the John Dorset was an old sea dog of the genuine Yankee type. He liked man who had what he called sand for ballast" as Luiz Berceo evidently had.
 "Shiver my mainmast, but I'll take him." said Capt. Higgins. "He can have my cabin till we are well past Coregidor and out to sea-"