Evening star., 1901-08-10
you. generalf He has no credentials"
Cabrera struck his clenched fist on the


table.
Sir" he said. "you are a strange mes
senger. You pretend a mission to me, and
when asked for your credentials you tell us
that they are in the hands Of a friend. Tell
us Your friends name and how you came
to permit documents of value to me and to
the cause for which you say that you are
fighting, to fall into any hands but your
own"
Rollo saw that TO refer to the Convent
OF the Holy Innocents or to mention Con-
cha's name, would tnfallfbly betray the
hiding place of Dolores to her enemies, SC
he could only reiterate his former answer.
I am unfortunately prevented by my
honor from revealing the name OF my
friend. or why the documents were so In
trusted. But IL your excellency win wait
till the morning 1 promise that you shall
be abundantly satisfied"
i am not accustomed to walt for the
morning, said Cabrera. There fs no
siackening of the rein on the king service
But have certain information as to who
You are. which may prove more pertinent
to the occasion and perhaps may prevent
any delay whatsoever"
Cabrera leisurely rolled and lighted
cigarette, giving great attention to the
closing of the paper in which it was en-
wrapped.
Search them," commanded Cabrera sud
denly, In sharp tone Of anger In which
the latent cruelty Of his nature came out,
Their captors with no great delicacy OF
handling began to overhaul the contents OF
the pockets of the four. They examined
their boots, the lining of their coats and
ripped up the seams of their waistcoats.
upon Ramon nothing at all was found
except the fragment of a handful issued
by the nationalist general Offering a re-
ward for his capture.
But in the outer pocket Of Rollo Blair
was found far more compromising docu-
ment. When the searcher drew 1t forth
from his coat. the eyes Of Luis Fernandez
cleaned with triumph.
Cabrera took the paper and glanced II
upon the signature the fashion Of his
countenance changed. He leaped to his
feet.
"Nogueras"' he cried "You are in cor
who, In cold blood, shot my poor mother
for no crime but that of having borne me!
Have the fellow out instantly and shoot
him."
Rollo stood a moment dumbfounded, then
he recovered himself and spoke.
General Cabrera" he said. this Is a
trick. 1 have had no correspondence with
Nogueras I had not even heard his name.
some traitor. I hold commission in the
service of Don Carlos. and 1 have had no
communication with his enemies
Cabrera took up the letter again and
read aloud:
ITO the young Eng1ishman of the Foreign
Legion, pretending service with Don
Carlos:
You are ordered to obtain any informa-
tion as to the movements of the brigand
Cabrera, and his men. by penetrating their
district, and If possible joining their or
ganfzation. You will report the same to
me, and this pass will hold you safe with
all servants and well-wishers of the gov
ernment of the queen regent.
'NOGUERAs."
The CarIfst commander, whose voice had
been rising as he read. shouted rather
than uttered the name of the murderer of
his mother
More than one Carlist soldier glanced at
his nefghbor with look which said plain
as printed proclamation, 1T is all over
with the foreigners!'
AT last Cabrera stopped his promenade
He folded his arms and stood looking up
at Rollo.
The mOrning'-I think you said-well,
1 will give your friend till morning to be
ready with proofs of your innocence. But
If not, so soon as the sun rises over the
hills out there, you four shall be shot for
spies and traitors. Take them away
CTo be Continued.)