The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15

which he had prepared. as If there were
no other living being within miles.
But what is your object. and what
do you expect 20 gain by this villainy?"
I asked. curbing my rage. and speaking
in milder tone.
Vasquez finished his meal. and rolled
himself a cigarette, which he began to
smoke with an air of intense satisfaction,
before he condescended to reply.
What do I expect to gain. senOr?"
he said. CHANGING lazily in my direc-
ton, while he pulled his vigarette.
First. have this valuable watch.
and he drew my repeater from his
pocket and affecting to consult it.
Then 1 have this purse, which, accord
ing to my computation, contains some
what over one thousand dollars in
American money. Finally. 1 shall have
the most exquisite revenge. Do you
imagiue"-and now he arose and ap-
preached me with an expression Of ma
lignant triumph in his dark features
do you imagine that I would submit
to the blow you dealt me. the kicks.
the vile kicks, you have dared bestow
upon meme. Vasquez-witnout re-
venge?"
You scoundreI," I cried furiously.
You know perfectly we'll that / should
neither have struck nor kicked you,
had you not attempted to rob me-"
'Eh, we'll" he said lighting another
cigarette, ~ am not sufficient of the
/ philosopher to distinguish. desired
your watch and money; you prevented
| me from obtaining them in a quiet,
harmless way. You struck and kicked
me. and now''-his eyes flashed with an
evil glare, even while his lips smiled
sardonicalIy-"now senior. having no
other employment. shall amuse myself
by putting you to death"
MY absence will be knowu." I ex-
claimed. making one last effort 10
brighten the ruflan from his intention.
1T will be remembered that you were
my guide. and you viii ultimately be
! brought to the gaIlows"
Il have no fear OF that he replied.
blowing a cloud Of smoke from his Gig
arctic. In the first place, your Gov,
eminent is not notorious for the care
with which IT looks after the interests Of
its citizen in foreign countries. Were
you an Englishman or a Frenchman. nay.
| even a poor little Italian. I should feel
some anxiety: but native OF the United
States Of the North-poof! Why. as you
well know. 10000 OF you might be slain
( in the streets OF any foreign city, and
your Government would not so much az
ask the cause. Do you think It will trou-
Bile itself 10 inquire into the fate Of one
OF its citizens who has disappeared in
the depths Of a Central American for
est?"
remained silent. for I had no answer
TO moke
AT least. d" I said at length If you
have any remains Of human feeling left
in you. tell me what you mean to do"
Il could almost pity you for a fool.
he replied. looking down at me 4 fed
you the fruit that robbed you Of your
senses. and you had no suspicion OF it
Did you. could you. believe that had
/ forgotten that blow and those kicks -
He laughed a short. sardonic laugh
While you were slUmbering helplessly.
bound you fast with bohuco vine"
But you have not told me what you
intend to do with me-" I said. hoping
even yet that his threats were mere
bravaAo.
You doubtless recall the den OF
noyullos." he replied. We'll, Senior
Americana. I mean TO drop you, bound
as you are. into the midst OF those IN
comfortable gentlemen. and observe the
| effect"
For moment ! could not grasp tho
hideous significance of his words. Then
| as # broke upon me. / humbled myself