Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-04-12
CHAPTER III.
THE OBLIGATION OF SILENCE.

IN the case or IenulGCOn. Moth
Ing happened. The day passed with
out once affOrding him the sight of a
human being. He regretted his coffee.
but there was native wine In abun-
dance, with cold meats and luxuries
sufficient TO have provided n company
of men with sustenance for several
days. He passed the time in reading
In walking up and down the room and
In various means of disposing of the
seemingly interminable period be-
tween the return from the dueling
ground and the darkness of the sue
ceeding night. Never had day SEEM
ed so long, but it came TO an end at
last. and never had the sun disappear
ed for Burr Pendleton so pleasantly
Still, there were more endless hours to
wait, for 1t was not until 10 o'clock In
the evening when he heard voice at
the grating and knew that the time for
liberation was at hand.
1t was Pancho who came but he did
not speak. BE only unlocked the graf
ing and stood respectfully aside while
the American passed out. He made no
remark when he dexterously threw a
serape over Pendleton's head. Beyond
that there was no attempt at coercion.
The lasso was not used again, and 1t
was only through an expressive pres
sure upon his arm as Il was grasped
by the Mexican that Pendleton knew
that he was to be treated with every
courtesy and consideration. Upon the
friendship of this unknown Mexican
he knew from the experiences of the
past night he could rely, and he per-
mitted himself to be led again along
the graveled paths, among the shrub
berry and finally found himself the oc-
cupant Of a carriage which was driven
rapidly away as soon as he had enter
ed it. The serape was removed from
Pendleton's head as soon as they were
safely within the carriage and the cur
tains had been drawn.
When at last it came to a halt and
Jhe American was Informed that he
tSuld alight. Pendleton said:
''Pancho. shall not forget your kind
nesses TO me. ! am sorry that you will
not permit me TO offer you some sub
stantial reward, but feel that would
offend you II l should insist upon 1t.
You already know much about me,
more than am aware OF, doubtless.
save written on this card an address In
The city OF New York, where a commu-
nication viii reach me or from where
one will be forwarded to me at any
time. IL the time should ever come
when can render you a service, con-
slider it done. Say to the senorita that I
forgive her for preventing me from en-
gaging In the duel with Captain Ro-
nero; say that l am Informed that a
friend acted for me in my absence.
Where are we? At the bronze statue?"
Isl, senior" replied Pancho
Good night, then. will walk the re-
mainder OF the distance. Adios, my
friend"
"Adios, senior"
Pendleton had walked nearly to the
upper end of the Alameda before he re-
membered that he had left his case of
pistols in the carriage, but with the
thought that Pancho might derive
pleasure from the possession of the
weapons as souvenir of the occasion
he shrugged his shoulders and hurried
onward. He was surprised to discover
James placidly engaged in packing.
Even after Captain Agramonte call
ed and told me about the meeting, sir"
he explained in reply to his masters
look OF surprised inquiry, at was trou-
bled until 1 received your message an
hour ago."
my message an hour ago? What was
ii, James?"
'The man said that you had directed
him to tell me that you would leave on
the early train on the National road in
the morning and to have everything
packed and in readiness. That was cor
rect was 1t notT'
"Oh, entirely so, entirely sop And he
thought to himself, Surely this woman
NEEDLES strangely in my affairs"
1t was not until the following even
Ing however, that he did leave Mexico,
but he was not sorry when the train
bore him away and he was homeward
bound.
When Burr Pendleton was in the act
of ascending the steps to the entrance
OF his favorite club In New York, he
encountered gentleman who was Just
taking his departure. They paused,
mutually and agreeably surprised, and,
after having exchanged greetings
which gave evidence that they were
more than ordinary friends, Pendleton
IAlC OIAGN DUCK lulO the mouse,
where they sought a quiet corner by
themselves.
"Yes, 1 have returned, Craig. 1t is
really l." was Pendleton's smiling re-
ply to a question asked by his friend.
DO you realize, old fellow" return
ed his friend, that you are more than
two weeks overdue and that not
word has been heard from you in that
timer"
Certainly. Circumstances over
which 1 had no control-unavoidabl
delays, unintentional negligence and all
that, you know. The fact is, Wynd-
ham, had duel on my hands, and
did not care to let you know about it.
You see, made all arrangements in
case should not be able to return at
all, which, 1 confess, seemed at one
time more than likely, and thought If
II did NOT no