Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1902-02-13
CHAPTER n.
The Maker of Presidents.

smiling countenance of General Bar
rajo, Jack knew the latter carried g
message-he seemed so pleased with
himself, so DESTROYS 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 a frown and he bit his lip. For the
stout general bore a message thai
bona 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 senorita 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 vleing 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 il
was quite patent to the astute general
she had conceived sudden and over
towering admiration for the AmericaI
that was very apt to blossom present.
into a passion.
Jack carried on a spirited convert
tion with the belle of San Jose, ad
could no. but note the deep satiac-
tion shown by the general. In che
goodness of his heart, no doub he
wanted the man who had save his
life to have all the prizes there wre In
the lottery, and the senorita, his
mind, came within that categor.
So he worked the strings.
Had Jack suspected his philathrop-
ical design, he might have deply re-
GREETED running those three reolution-
lists off when they had the geRral cor
nered
AS it was, having in min. sketch
of some mythical goddess which the
senorita as he had seen Ter dancing 30
alluringly before her nary ADMIRERS
would fill to perfection, he studied her
while thus engaging he in conversa-
ton.
Doubtless he forgot tlat in thus ex-
erting himself, with tie purpose in
view of drawing her nut, he at the
same time accomplished a double OBJ
ject, and appeared unusually attrac-
tive in her eyes
That was where the boomerang came
in.
1t CHANGED that after this night they
met frequently-not 81 much through
his inclination as an apparent COM
bination of circumstances.
The lovely daughter Of the tropics
had taken a great flncy for Senior
Overton, and his Indifference piqued
her, since she was s, accustomed to
having gallants go mad for an iota OF
the favor she bestowed upon Jack.
Sometimes 1t appears as great a crime
to be diffident as to :how egotism-it
may not push one irto hot water as
often. but there are occasions when 1t
counts as much.
And the willy general looked on. ana
behind Jacks back rubbed his hands,
very much as misel might over his
gold.
1t was his purpose 10 devote his life
to showering blessings on his noble
deliverer-love. power, wealth, all
should be his, and he would bless the
day when he first met Pedro Alphonso
Barrajo-indeed il would be a red-let-
ter day in the affairs of the little re-
public as well.
Overton had never taken the general
into his confidence, to tell him the bit
ter story of his past and how he had
become a full-fedged woman haLer.
pledged to remain forever bachelor.
He had found a means of engaging
in business. Such energy as he pos
sessed was a new element in San Juan,
and from the way in which he started
IL was evident that in due course OF
time, say. ten years, If nothing hap
pened to overturn understanding
is always occurring in these torrid lit
tie republics-he babe fair to own the
WhiNh Wndl
push and enterprise may accomplish
Ehen properly applied.
Ten years was long time to wait
he had calculated on half that period
when he could go back to London and
pay up old scores.
And then it occurred to Jack to par
TALLY take his friend the general into
his confidence, and tell him how neces
sary 1t was that he should roll the bal
Of fortune faster, in order that the re
suit should be fastened.
Brave Barrajo had met danger when
il appeared about to overwhelm him
with steady front and flashing
blade
He was equal to the occasion now.
Shaping Jack most heartily on the
back, he winked his left eye mysteri
ously and, looking cautiously around
to see that they were alone, whispered
hoarsely: