Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-12-05

last, and never had the sun disappear
ed for Burr Pendeton 80 pleasantly.
Still. there were more endless hours to
wait, for II was not until 10 O'Clock in
the evening wncn he heard voice &C
the grating and knew that the time for
liberation was at hand.
1t was Pancho who came, but he did
not speak. He only unlocked the graf
ing and stood respectfully aside while
tt, American passed out. He made no
remark when he dexterously threw q
serape over Fendleton's head. Beyond
that there was no attempt at coercion.
The lasso was not used again. and it
was only through an expressive pres
sure upon his arm as 1t was grasped
by the Mexican that Pendleton knew
that he was to be treated with every
courtesy and consideration. Upon the
friendship of this unknown Mexican
he knew from the experiences OF the
past night be could rely, and he per.
mitted himself to be led again along
the graveled paths among the shrub
berry and finally found himself the oc.
cupant Of q carra &c which was driven
rapidly away as soon as he had enter
ed IT. The serape was removed from
Pendletons head as soon as they were
safely within the carriage and the cur
tains had been drawn.
When at last 1t came to halt and
the American was informed that be
could alight Pendleton said:
"Pancho, l shall not forget your kind
nesses to me. I am sorry that you will
not permit ne to offer you some sub
stantial reward, but feel that would
offend you II I should insist upon It.,
You already know much about me.
more than am aware Of. doubtless. I
have written on TVS card an address In
the city of New York where a commu.
ncation will reach me or from where
one will be forwarded to me at any
time If the time should ever come
when can render you a service, con.
slider it done. Say to the senorita that I
forgive her for preventing me from en-
gaging in the duel with Captain Ro-
nero; say that I am Informed that a
friend acted for me In my absence
Where are We? At the bronze statue"'
Isl, senior" replied Pancho.
'Good night, then. l will walk the re-
friend
"Adios. senior"
Pendleton had walked nearly to the
upper end Of the Alameda before he re-
membered that he had left his case OF
pistols in the carriage but with the
thought that Fancho might derive
pleasure from the possession of the
weapons as souvenir of the occasion.
he shrugged his shoulders and hurried
onward. He was surprised to discover
James placdly ged n packing.
Even after Captain Agramonte call
ed and told me about the meeting. sir"
be explained in reply to his masters
look of surprised inquiry, Il was trou-
blcd until | received your message an
hour ago
My message an hour ago? What was
it, james,"
"The man said that you had directed
him to tell me that you would leave on
the carly train on the National road ia
the morning and to have everything
packed and in readiness. That was cor
rect, was it not:'
"Oh. entirely so. entirely so" And he
thought to himself, surely this woman
NEEDLES strangely in my Affairs
1t was not until the following even
ing however, that he did leave Meyico,
but he was not sorry when the TRAIN
bore him away and he was homcward
bound.
When Burr Pendleton was in the act
of ascending the steps 10 the entrance
of his favOrite club in New York, he
encountered q gentleman who was just
taking his departure. They paused.
mutually and agreeably surprised, and,
after having exchanged greetings
which gave evidence that they were
more than ordinary friends. Pendleton
drew the other back into the house,
where they sought quiet corner by
themselves.
Yes, | have returned. Craig. II 10
really L. was Pendletons smiling re-
ply 10 a question asked by his friend.
!. DO you realize, old fellow" return
= ed his friend. that you are more than
= two weeks overdue and that not \
word has been heard from you in that
| timeY
: "Certanly. Circumstances over
which | had no control-unavoid Bile
delays unintentional negligence and all
Y that, you know. The fact is Wynd-
l ham, had a duel on my hands and I
did not care to let you know about it.
e You see | made all arrangements in
0 case | should not be able TO return at
, all, which. | confess, seemed at one
e time more than likely, and | thought II
l did not come back il would be time
+ enough to tell you when l arrived as
o 1t is"
J. Craig N'yndham calmly lighted a
=, fresh cigar before he ventured COM
;, meut on the statement Of his friend,
o then. rather 10 Pendeton's surprise.
d he did not refer directly TO the subject.
Instead he asked quietly
t Had il to do with the business that
e took you there
e "Not at all not at all, assure you"
l. "rhen won't you tell me about the
t business. The duel can wait
g II can tell you about the business in
o two words-I succeeded"
:, Then you are glad you went"
d "Most certainly. The fact is, Craig,
I should have gone there long ago or
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