Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-04-03

This was what Ruiz was waiting
for, and one evening the place was
surrounded and Sanchez taken pris
oner. He was, of course, sentenced
to be shot
"Antonina, apparently, thought no
more Of the matter. She appeared at
the theater on the following even
ing, and had never been more charm
ing. The story of her share in the
rebels capture about, and she was
cheered whenever She was seen by the
loyalists. Ruiz was more infatuated
than ever, and was worse than helpless
in her hands.
The day that Sanchez was to be ex-
ecuted Antonina demanded of Ruiz
that he should gain permission for
her to see her former lover alone. 1t
was not known what excuse she gave
for this seemingly strange request,
but, at any rate, it was granted her.
What took place at the interview was
never disclosed. Immediately after 1t
was over Sanchez was marched into
the courtyard, placed with his face to
the wall and shot to death. He met his
fate with gallant indifference.
"Antonina watched him die, from
one Of the windows. without a sign of
emotion, save a narrowing of the eye
lids and slight compression of the
bps. She danced that night, but can
celed her engagement for the follow
ing week, saying she was going to leave
the city for a rest.
"A few days later happened to be
in one of the shabbiest parts of town,
and there met a woman whose re-
semblance TO the dancer was so strik-
ing that / turned and looked after her
as she passed me. She went into
miserable looking hoyel and. as / loi-
tered near, hoping to solve the
mystery, she came out again. and
walked swiftly by me. This time
was convinced that ii was Antonina.
Much puzzled at her appearance in
such a place. I followed her, but soon
she disappeared down a narrow side
street. and being unfamiliar with that
part Of the town, lost track of her.
Next day / was called away from
the city, and when l returned / found
the social world in a state of expee-
tation over a grand reception TO be
given by Gen. Ruiz in honor of sone
OF the American officers. The chief
extraction was the announcement
that Antonina had been engaged TO
dance for the entertainment of the
guests. | determined to accept my
imitation, as the woman possessed
great attraction for me. / was
present at the reception.
THE salas were crowded with n
brilliant assembly. Scores of beauti-
ful women, and the handsome span
ish cfiicers in their snowy uniforms.
mingled with the more sober dress
of our country, gave a most pictur-
esque effect to the scene. l. was
nearly midnight when the dancer ar
rived. She had driven directly from
the theater, and was attired in a
most magnificent costume, while on
her breast elittered the Ruiz la
mond. As she came into the ball
room, she was greeted with oravos
and was showered with flowers She
paused moment on the threshold,
aud responded with a fans half
mocking smile. Then slowly raising
her arms, she stepped forward. In
stantly the orchestra struck mp with
the passionate music of FL Sol, ami
the guests drew away from the CEN
ter Of the room, leaving her standing
in blaze Of color and jewels alone
On the polished floor.
Il will not attempt 10 describe the
dance. We watched her with deep
drawn breaths, and dizzy brains, as
she Rbirled herself from the lazy
languor OF the beginning to the mad
contain lis emotions, caught up a.
flower that had dropped from her
hair, and, unmindful of observers,
kissed it. She saw the actor, and
with a sidelong glance tore the scar
let scarf from her waist, and still
dancing, threw it over his neck.
Something cleaned in her hsnd. and
some instinct warned me Of mischief.
I stepped to Ruiz side. Antonina
stretched out her hand, AMI he'd me
back, and if ever l saw the devil look
out from a woman's eyes. | saw il
shining then between her half closed
Ids.
"'Adios, companeros,' she said in
clear, ringing tones, I go to wait
for you in hell
"Witha swift motion she buried the
dagger, which had been concealed in
her hand, in her heart, and as the
last strains of the music died away
Size fell to the floor, the wicked smile
frozen on her mouth.
Three weeks later, Gen. Ruiz and
every one of his subordinate officers
died Of the most malignant kind If
smallpox. Antonina had searched
until she had found a case. as we aft
oIward discovered-had exposed SAN
chez sword belt to the infection, AMI
thus carried the infection TO Ruiz,