Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-02-01

CHAPTER xxx.

sword rafting as usual upon the pave
ment. Ho rose, and found the littlo man
rating tho soldicrs-threatcning some
with the dungeons, others with extra
duty. Krnntz was also on his feot before
the comnandant had finished his morn
ing's lecture. At last, perceiving them,
in stern voice he ordered them to follow
him into his apartment. They did so, and
the oommandant, throwing himself upon
his sofa, inquired whether they were ready
to sign the required paper, or go back to
the dungeon. Krants replied that they
had been calculating chances, and they
were in consequence SO perfectly convinced
Of the death of tho captain that they were
willing to sign any paper to that effect; at
which reply the commandant Immediately
became very gracious, and having called
for materials, he wrote out the document,
which was duly subscribed to by Krantz
and Philip. AS soon as they had signed
1t, and he had 1t in his possession, the lit
tie man was so pleased, that he requested
them to partake Of his breakfast
During the repast, he promised that
they should leave the island at the first
opportunity. Although Philip was tao
titurn, yet, rs Krantz made himself very
agreeable, the oommandant invited them
to dinner. Krantz, as they became more
familiar, informed him that they had each
few pieces Of gold, and wished to be al
lowed a room where they could keep their
table. Whether IL was the want of society
or the desire Of obtaining the gold-prob-
ably both-thc comnandant offered that
they should join his table, and pay their
proportion of the expenses; proposal
which was gladly acceded to. The terms
were arranged, and Krantz insisted upon
putting down the first weeks payment in
advance. From that moment the COM
mandant was the best Of friends with
them, and did nothing but caress them
whom he had SO politely showed into q
dungeon below water. Itwas on the even
Ing of the third day, as they were smok-
ing their Manila oheroots, that Krantz,
perceiving the commandant in a peculiarly
good humor, ventured to ask him why he
was 80 anxious for certificate of the cap
tsin's death; and in reply was informed,
much to the astonishment of Philip, that
Anime had agreed to marry him upon bis
producing such document.
"Impossiblel" cried Philip, starting
from his seat
Impossible, signor; and why impossi-
blef" replied the commandment, curling his
mustaches with his fingers, with sur
prised and angry air.
II should have said impossible too, !" in
terrupted Krantz, who perceived the con-
sequences of Philips indisoretion, "for
had you seen, commandment, how that
woman dotted upon her husband, how she
fondled him, you would with us have said
1t was impossible that she could have
transferred her affections so soon; but
women are women, and soldiers have q
great advantage over other people; per-
haps she has some excuse, commandant,
when recolleot her husband and have
you In my presence"
Soothed with the fattery, the comman-
dant replied:
"Why, yes, they say military men are
very successful with the fair sex. I pre-
sumo 1t is because they look up to us for
protection; and where can they be better
assured Of it than with man who wears
a sword at his thigh? Come, signors, we
will drink her health. Here's to the beau
tiful Anime Vanderdecken."
ITO the beautiful Anime Vanierdeck-
en! cried Krantz, tossing off his wine
ITO the beautiful Anime Vanderdeck-
en-" followed Philip. "But, comman-
dant, are you not afraid to trust her at Goa
where there are so many enticements for
woman, SO many allurements held out
for her scxf"
mo, not in the least. am convinced
that she loves me-nay, between ourselves,
that she dotes upon mo-"
"Liar!" exclaimed Philip.
Glow, signor! is that addressed to mep"
cried the communicate, selling his sword,
which lay on the table,
mo, no." replied Philip, recovering
himself; "it was addressed to her. 1
have heard her swear to her husband that
she would exist for no other but him."
"Ha! ha! is that ALP" replied the COM
mandant. "My friend, you do not know
women
mo; nor is he very partial to them
either" replied Krantz, who then leaned
over to the commandant and whispered:
"Hc Is always so when you talk of women.
He was cruelty Tilted once, and hates the
whole SEX"
Then we must be merciful to him."
replied the other: suppose we change the
subject"
When they repaired to their own room,
Krantz pointed out to Philip the necessity
for his commanding his feelings, as other
wise they would again be immured In the
dungeon. Philip acknowledged his rash
ness but pointed out to Krantz that the
circumstance of Anime having promised
to marry the commandment, II he procured
certain intelligence of his death, was the
cause of his irritation. "Can 1t be SOP Is
1t possible that she can have been SO falsep"
exclaimed Philip; yet his anxiety to pro-
cure that document seems to warrant the
truth of bis assertion"
II think, Philip, that in all probability
1t Is true" replied Krantz, carelessly;
"but of this you may be assured, that she
has been placed in a situation of great
peril, and has only done SO to save herself
for your sake. When you meet depend
upon 1t she will fully prove to you that
necessity had compelled her to deceive him
in that way, and that If she had not done
80, she would, by this time, have fallen
prey to his violence"
ut may be SO, :" replied Philip, gravely
ut is so. Philip, my life upon it. Do
not for moment harbor thought so in
furious to one who lives but in your love-
Suspect that fond and devoted creaturel
blush for you, Philip yanderdecken.
you are right; and beg her pardon
for allowing suoh feelings or thouohta to