The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1901-10-24
CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.)

nad not travelled more than mile
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
Leaping from his horse, Don Juan
5-iled MIN to tree and crept cautiously
forward toward the hut.
II was a rude habitation, made of
logs. the crevices partly filled with
mud. The sounds Of voices at ordin-
AIRY tones inside could be easily heard
by listener outside.
Don Juan applied his ear to a con-
venient crack.
II say you lie!" her heard the voice
OF Gomez say. "She is here"
Senior is mistaken, came a 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
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. I tell you
! know she is here. Mattazudo stole
her from the castle and brought her
mere l know this, tell you, and if
you do not give her up it will be bad
for you'
am an old man, senior You may
Kill me, if you will. 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 1 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
was here
You are not wise to believe the
words of Mattazudo. The half-breed
has lying tongue and crafty mind.
If he has taken the girl away, he has
put her where you cannot find her."
Il will find her."
~ Nope so senior. would not wish
EathudApuld remain in the hands of Mat
"a, W He is devil of cruelty, and
n no law but his own passions.
"a 5uld not bring the girl here.
rs knows would protect her. He
oo enemy-I am HIS
siNust find her. If she is lost to me,
u thill the half-breed.''
Should have been killed long
y @nor.''
can p.sssWear you have told me the
y l:Ss'a swear it, senior"
\ vfaRou swear you have not seen the
\ ,kl? Repeat it after me-"
"senor, you are wasting time. 1
know nothing. swear have not seen
the girl
Then let Mattazudo beware"
Gomez rushed from the house,
mounted 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
peen 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 1t before Gomez. He went directly
to Philip.
Well? said the pretender, eagerly.
rising to his feet
have not found her." said Don
Juan, fiercely, "but know the name Of
the scoundrel who took her away"
Name him.
Mattazudo, the half-breed.
An! tell me all that you have learn
Don Juan related what had taken
3place at the Carib's hut.
Has Gomez returned?" asked Phil
y No, but Mattazudo is in the CASTLE"
y Then send for Mattazudo."
" The orderly was called in.
Tell the half-breed who commands,
tahe zambos to come here" said Philip.
In obedience to the summons Malta
I'll lido came staggering in.
III Scoundrel!" exclaimed Don Juan
Infringing toward him.
The half-breed looked in astonish-
ment from Cara to Philip.
There was no installing the express
pn on either face.
Seniors, you amaze me-" he said.
What have Idone that you are angry
with me?"
you stole my daughter from the
castle and carried her away" said Don
Juan:S"You need not lie. l know ALL"
Mattazudo seemed even more sur
prised.
liam bewildererd, senor,'' he
said. i took your daughter away, it is
true, but Gomez surely you knew all
about it,
What do you mean?"
q mean that I did nothing more