Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-02-18
CHAPTER III.


ing happened. The day passed with
out once affording him the sight Of
human being. He regretted his coffee
but there was native wine In abun
dance, with cold meats and luxurie
sufficient to have provided compan,
of men with sustenance for severa
days. He passed the time In reading
in walking up and down the room ant
in various means of disposing Of til
seemingly lnterminable period he
tween the return from the duelini
ground and the darkness Of the sue
cecding night. Never had day seem
ed SO long. but it came to an end n
last, and never had the sun disappear
ed for Burr Pendleton 80 pleasantly
Still, there were more endless hours t
wait, for 1t was not until 10 O'Clock II
the evening when he heard q voice q
the grating and knew that the time 70
liberation was at hand.
It was Pancho who came, but he dix
not speak. He only unlocked the graf
Ing and stood respectfully aside Whit
tie American passed out. He made NJ
remark when he dexte.ously threw {
serape over Pendleton's head. Beyont
that there was no attempt at coercion
The lasso was not used again. and
was only through an expressive pres
sure upon his arm as 1t was graspet
by the Mexican that Pendleton knew
that he was to be treated with ever!
courtesy and consideration. Upon tit
friendship of this unknown Mexican
he knew from the experiences o. th'
past night he could rely, and he per
mitted himself to be led again G.o":;
the graveled paths. among the shrub
berry and finally found himself the oc
cupant Of q carriage which was crireI
rapidly away as soon as he had enter
ed 1t. The serape was removed from
Pendleton's head as soon AS they We:'
safely within the carriage aud the CUT
tains had been drawn.
When at last 1t came to halt ant
the American was Informed that h'
could alight. Pendle.oa said:
"Pancho, ] shall not forget your kind
nesses to me. am sorry that you Wi
not permit me to-offer you some sub
stantial reward. but feel that ! woI.t
offend you II should Insist upon 1t
You already know much about me
more than am aware Of, doubtless.
fave written on this card an address IT
the city Of New York. where commu
nication will reach me or from where
one will be forwarded to lie at any
time. If the time should ever come
when l can render you service. con
slider it done. Say to the senorita that
forgive her for preventing me from en-
gaging in the duel with Captain Ro
nero; say that am informed that d
friend acted for me in my absence
Where are we? At the bronze statue?
Isl. senor." replied Pancho.
"GO0d night, then. will walk til, re
mainder of the distance. Adios, my
friend"
"Adios, Senor."
Pendleton had walked nearly to the
upper end Of the Alameda before he re-
membered that lie 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 Agramontc call
ed and told me about the meeting. sir,
he explained in reply to his masters
look Of surprised inquiry, 81 was trou'
bled until received your message an
hour ago"
"My message an hour ago? What was
it, 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 it nOt!"
ooh, entirely SO, entirely so" And lie
thought to himself, Surely this woman
mcddles 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. ne
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
drew the other back into the house
where they sought quiet corner by
themselves.
"Yes, | have returned, Craig. 1t IL
really l." was Pendleton's smiling re-
ply to question asked by his friend.
"Do you realize. old fellow" return
ed his friend. that you are more thar
two weeks overdue and that not O
word has been heard from you in thai
time"
Certainly. Circumstances ovel
which had no control-unavoidablt
delays, unintentional negligence and al
that, you know. The fact is, Wynd
ham, had a duel on my hands, and
did not care to let you know about 1t
You see, l made all arrangements II
case should not be able to return a
all. which, confess, seemed at ont
time more than likely, and thought Il
/ did not come back 1t would be tim'
enough to tell you when arrived, a'
| It is."
Craig Wyndham calmly lighted
| fresh cigar before he ventured com
ment on the statement Of his friend
then, rather to Pendleton's surprise
he did not refer directly to the subject
Instead he asked quietly:
Had 1t to do with the business tha
took you thereT
"Not at all, not at all, assure you"
H. Aoo;o1f EnL