The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1903-01-15
CONTINUED
CHAPTER III.
THE OBLIGATION OF SILENCE.


RNCIDENTS that are exceptionally
portentous are frequently the
least prolific of results. 1t was SO
in the case Of Pendleton. 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 album
dance, with cold meats and Inquiries
sufficient to have provided 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 it was not until 10 o'clock in
the evening when he heard voice at
liberation was at hand.
1t was Pancho who came. but he did
not speak. He 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 it
was only through an expressive pres
sure upon his arm as it 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
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 &C.
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 halt and
the American was Informed that he
could alight, Pendleton said: ..-.-.
"Pancho, shall not forget your kind
nesses to me. l am sorry that you will
not permit me to offer you some sub
stantial reward, but feel that would
offend you if I should insist upon it.
You already know much ,about me,
more than 1 am aware of, doubtless. /
have written on this card an address in
the city of New York, where commu-
nication will reach me or from where
one will be forwarded to me at any
time. If the time should ever come
when I can render you q service, con-
slider it done. Say to the senorita that l
forgive her for preventing me from en-
gaging in the duel with, Captain Ro-
nero; say that l am Informed that
friend acted for ME in my Absence:
Where are we? At the bronze statue?"
ISL senor," replied Parcho.
'.Good night, then. Twill walk the re-
mainder of the distance. Adios, my
friend :,
"Adios, senor."
Pendleton had walked nearly to the
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
He was surprised, to. discover
James placidly engaged in packing. 1
'.Even after Captain Agramonte call
ed and told me about the meeting. sir"
he explained in reply to his masters
look of surprised inquiry, II was trou-
bled until 1 received your message an
hour ago" a.
'My message an hour ago? What was
it, james, 4 49," Fl
"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?' f .s@
"Oh, entirely so, entirely so!' 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. s- ~.~5 4
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
drew the other back into the house,
where they sought a quiet corner by
themselves.
Eyes, have returned, Craig. 1t is
really l." was Pendleton's smiling re-
ply to question asked by his friend.
ssDo you realize, old fellow, return
ed his friend, shat you are more than
two weeks overdue and that not
word has been heard from you in that
timer
"Certainly. Circumstances over
which had no control unavoidable
delays, unintentienal negligence and oil