Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1901-10-25
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CHAPTER vIII.-(Continued.)

had not IraVeleu IuOTS IIldu hllS
when he saw before him hut, with a
large white rock in front of it. At the
door of the hut stood the horse of
Gomez.
Lsaping from his horse, Don Juan
tied him to a tree and crept cautiously
forward toward the hut.
II was rude habitation, made Of
logs, the crevlces partly filled with
mud. The sounds of voices at ordin-
by listener outside.
Don Juan applied his ear to a con-
yenient crack.
Il say you lie!" her heard the voice
of Gomez say. ."She is here"
"Senor is mistaken, came voice in
Spanish. The Indians Of the Spanish
American countries early learned to
use tho language of their conquerors.
There is no one here
"You lie, tell you!" exclaimed
Gomez. "Mattazudo took girl away
from the castle and brought her here.
I learned of it, and came at once to
take her away. She is to be my
BRIDE
Men do not steal their brides now"
replied the Indian.
II did not steal this one. tell you
I know she is here. Mattazudo stole
her from the castle and brought her
here. know this, tell you, and if
you do not give her up it will be bad
for you.
II am an old man, senior. You may
kill me, if you will. I am powerless
against an army. My friends are not
your friends. The friends of the re-
public are mine, and they are de-
feated."
What do l care about all that? I
did not ask for your friendship. want
that girl
'She is not here, senor."
She is here Mattazudo told me she
lgas here
You are not wise to believe the
words of Mattazudo. The half-breed
has a lying tongue and crafty mind.
If he has taken the girl away, he has
put her where you cannot find her."
II will find her, --.
II hope so senior. ! would not wish
she would remain in the hands Of Mat
tazudo He is devil Of cruelty, and
knows no law but his own passions.
He would not bring the girl here.
for he knows would protect her. He
Is my enemy am his"
I must find her. If she is lost to me,
will kill the half-breed.''
He should have been killed long
ago, senor.'
You swear you have told me the
truth ?'' II swear it, senor.''
You swear you have not seen the
girl? Repeat it after me-
Senior. you are wasting time.
the girl
Then let Mattazudo beware
Gomez rushed from the house,
uounted his horse and rode away.
Don Juan did not seek to stop him
The old Spaniard was bewildered by
what he had heard. While it was evil
dent that Gomez knew that Lola had
been taken away from the castle, he
had said nothing to indicate that her
abduction was at his own bidding.
Fortunately Gomez did not ride to-
ward Don Juan's horse.
Cara returned to the castle reach
ing it before Gomez. He went directly
to Philip.
We'll? said the pretender, eagerly,
rising to his feet.
Il have not found her." said Don
Juan, fercely, "but know the name Of
the scoundrel who took her away
Name him."
"Mattazudo, the half-breed.
"Ah! tell me all that you have learn
ed"
Don Juan related what had taken
place at the Carib's hut.
"Kas Gomez returned?" asked Phil
ip.
No, but Mattazudo is in the castle"
Then send for Mattazudo."
The orderly was called in.
t'tTell the half-breed who commands
the Zambos to come here" said Philip.
In obedience to the summons Malta
Judo came staggering in.
"Scoundrel!" exclaimed Don Juan,
springing toward him.
The half-breed looked in astonish-
ment from Cara to Philip.
There was no mistaking the express
sion on either face.
Seniors, you amaze me-" he said.
1sWhat have done that you are angry
with me?"
''You stole my daughter from the
castle and carried her away" said Don
Juan. you need not lie. know all"
Mattazudo seemed even more sur
yrised
''I-I---am bewildererd, senor,' he
said. II took your daughter away, it is
true, but Gomez-surely you knew all
bout it,
What do you mean?"
II mean that I did nothing moro
Than carry out your commands
My commands. For Heavens sake
speak palmer! NY commands! What