The Elbert County tribune., 1902-05-01
CuAPTER \.


AS soon as his eyes fell upon the
smiling countenance of General Bar
rajo. Jack knew the latter carried a
message-he seemed SO pleased with
himself. so desirous of doing some ia
vor to the brave Senior overton, who
had saved his precious life. and made
him overwhelmingly his debtor.
When, however. the verbal communi-
cation was delivered Jacks face took
on frown and he bit his lip. For the
stout general bore message that
Dona Juanita desired to meet the
American at once; and he also gave
Jack to understand that this summons
was to be considered a great honor.
about which, however that worthy had
his doubts.
He concluded to meet Dona Juanita.
He found the sendtita not far away.
and her manner of receiving him was
peculiarly coy for one who had shown
herself so bold when the rival young
gallants were vieing with each other
for the privilege Of her smiles. Jack
had he known these hot-blooded crea-
lures of Gautarica better. would have
taken warning from this very fact and
studiously avoided the senorita. for 1t
was quite patent to the astute general
she had conceived sudden and over
powering admiration for the American
that was very apt to blossom presently
into a passion
Jack carried on spirited conversa-
tion with the belle of San Jose, and
could not but note the deep satisfac.
tion shown by the general. In the
goodness of his heart. no doubt ne
wanted the man who had saved his
life to have all the prizes there were in
the lottery. and the senorita, In his
mind. came within that category.
So he worked the strings
Had Jack suspected his philanthrop-
ical design, he might have deeply re-
gretted running those three revolution
lists off when they had the general cor
nered.
As 1t was. having in mind a sketch
of some mythical goddess. which the
senorita as he had seen her dancing 80
alluringly before her many admirers
would fill to perfection. he studied her
while thus engaging her in CONVERSE
tion.
Doubtless he forgot that in thus ex-
erting himself. with the purpose in
view of drawing her out, he at the
same time accomplished double on
ject, and appeared unusually attrac-
tive in her eyes.
That was where the boomerang came
in.
1t chanced that after this night they
met frequently-not so much through
his inclination as an apparent com
bination of circumstances.
The lovely daughter of the tropics
had taken a great fancy for Senior
Overton, and his Indifference piqued
her. since she was so accustomed to
having gallants go mad for an iota OF
the favor she bestowed upon Jack.
Sometimes 1t appears as great crime
to be difident as to show egotism-It
may not push one into hot water as
often. but there are occasions when II
counts as much.
And the willy general looked on. ana
behind Jacks back rubbed his hands,
very much as a miser might over his
gold.
1t was his purpose to devote his lite
to showering blessings on his noble
dellverer-love. power. wealth, all
should be his, and he would bless the
day when he first met Pedro Alphonso
Barrajo-indeed. it would be red-let-
ter day in the affairs of the little re
public as we'll.
Overton had never taken the general
into his confidence. to tell him the bit
ter story of his past and how he had
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