Evening star., 1901-10-12

| Senor, thundered Cabrera. Il shall then
make up my mind whether it would not
make for the kings peace that such fire
brand adventurer as you should not be
shot along with them. And 1 can tell you
this, that if all the pretty girls in the pen
insula were to come with a whole herd of
papal bulls they would not save you a sec
ond time!'
| AS he spoke Cabrera reared himself on
his elbow and glared at Rollo. who stood
still. holding the tent flap In his hand.
"TheSe are my reasons for this request
general said Rollo, without taking the
| least notice of the threat. First, such an
act would alternate the sympathy of the
whole civilized world from the cause of
Don Carlos"
For that do not give the snap of my
hnger.' cried Cabrera. Il bite my thumb
at the civilized world. What has it done
for US, OF for Don Carlos. either? Nexty
Secondly, l appeal to your pity as a
man with the heart of a man within his
breast. This lady hath never done you any
wrong. Her daughter is little more than a
babe. Spare them, and if an example must
be made, be satisfied with executing Senior
Munoz and myself. I shall right willingly
stand up by his side if the shedding of my
blood VIII save the queen and the little
princess
and the fair maid. Dona Concha." said
Cabrera, mockingly, what would she say
to such an act of self-sacrifice?"
She would rejoice to see me do nv DUTY
general said Rollo with confidence.
Cabrera laughed long, loud and scorn-
fully.
Not by a thousand leaguesr' he cried
mot if l know a maiden of Spain-to save
another woman! No, no, go out of this
tent in safety, Don Rollo. ! like man who
has no fear in his belly! And indeed great
need have you of the fear of God. for when
man dares thus to beard Ramon Cabrera
the fear of man is not in him. See here,
hombre-!'
Rollo was about to speak. but Cabrera
suddenly rose to his feet, steadied himself
a moment upon the tent pole and lifted
from stool small tin case like a much
battered dispatch box Opening it he re-
veaied another casket within. He unlocked
that, and drawing out long gray tress of
woman S hair he put it to his lips
The hatred of men has been mine" he
crled hercely, aye, ever since was twelve
years Old has my knife kept my head But
through all one woman has loved me-and
only one. See that! 'Tis my mothers hair
which the butcher officers Of the woman
Crisuna sent me in mockery, warm and
Touch 1t, cold man of the north Aye let
II stream through your fingers like love
token and say.what would you do to those
who sent you that?'
Again he kissed the long gray tresses
passionately ere he laid them in RolIo's
hands. o
Your mothers hair, wet with your moth
to make man merciful. Never harmed
me, did hear you say? Answer me nowI
what harm had my poor mother done
.Hehi Answer me! Answer me- I saw
You Scots know the law. They saw Won
fead the Bible An eye for an eye and a
tooth for tooth" So 1 have heard the
clerics yelp. Is it not true? Well. for
each hair you hold in your hands will eY
act ne Queen or consort, maid or babe
what care l? Have you any more to saw
Then give 1t back to me?''
With these final words he raised his voice
10 shout, and threw himself on the he'd
In passion of tears, with the tress Of lon1
gray hair pressed to his face.
And Rollo went out, having ipdeed M
words wherewith to reply.
But though worsted at the generals tent
the young adventurer was by no neans
defeated. None knew better how to Fan
back that he might further the lean Re
mad tailed utterly with Cabrera. and ms he
came out the camp was still humninr with
the scandal concerning Concha. The Eng
nshman, having finished repairing the cane
OF his military cloak. had been awaitine
events within the tent with the greatesf
interest. In fact he had been undisSuisediy
listening.
AS Rollo came out he congratulated him
In low tone.
Every moment since you entered. he
SAID, Il have been expecting to hear the
guard summoned and orders given to have
you shot forthwith Ramon Cabrera does
nol wait a second time to assure himself
or his prisoners, I can tell you You have
come on very well. Only take my advice
and don't try 1t again."
will not" said Rollo whose Thoughts
sir!'' 'o1'
BY the way" continued the other with