The Indianapolis journal., 1904-02-21

the eyes appeared-such glorious orbs as he
had never imagined-of a dark violet, with
the fire of passion in their depths One of
the men rose with quick resentment, one
hand grouping intuitiveiy for a weapon
that was not where it should have been at
his side.
The master recovered himself. raised his
broad hat respectfully, and turned to the
far veranda, corridor, to seek his old
seat, when the other, the older man, rising,
returned his bow with question.
Senor, the English gentleman, he said.
''McCallum, senior, at your service"
Our service is for gallant gentlemen. 1t
was the lady who spoke, and the tone or her
voice thrilled the master. He bowed again,
and the elderly man, clapping his hands,
peon at his orders brought forward an
other chair.
You were here yesterday with the des-
pot" said the young man, suspiciously.
ALLOW me, comrade." said the older man.
Senor, we heard with concern TINS morn
ing that you were no longer of the govern
ment party"
''As you have read" said the master, for
the gentleman appeared to await his an
''Then permit me-" said the older gentle
men. The SenOrita Isabelle Carrera Car
rera, who will receive you as friend, pos
am already the senorita subject, SAID
the master, with profound bow.
The Senor Rodriguez Carrera, the SEN
The 1.-the young spaniard and the tall
Scot exchanged glances of mutual dislike
while they salaamed.
Then the Senor Rodriguez introduced the
elder man Senior Zelaga, after which
the master accepted cigarette and took
his seat.
I'VE have been disputing," said the elder
man, about the subject of the control OF
an estate. The Seporita holds that there
can be no success without attention to de-
tails The senor. her cousin, supports the
boldness in enterprise. We await your
opinion. senor.'
''I am afraid 1 know more about the man
agement of mounted troops than of es-
tateS, said the master.
1--WE have heard" said Zelaga, your IL
lustrious career-wounded in Cuba, again
in Natal, captain of the Scottish Horse,
leader of the Gauchos recently in Nene-
zuela."
'And compelled to fly the country" added
the master. with smile at the lady.
Then your views on the value of detail
as opposed to bold strategy
II am not interested in the discussion
of military affairs, said the lady, speak
ing for the second time, and closing her
ence was summarily dismissed.
She gave her hand in turn to the two SEN
ors, bowed to McCallum, and moved with a
beautiful grace down the alcove.
Zelaga lolked after her, rubbing his chin,
while Rodriguez wore smile that was a
trife insolent
broke up this council of war
"Of accounts senor" said Rodriguez
But l told a question of war is always
a matter of accounts with gentlemen of
your race"
And with you so much a question of
security that you shelter yourself behind
WOmans petticoatS'
"Carrambow exclaimed the other. thickly
"Come-come, senors both, there is no
need here for quarrel interposed Zelaga.
None in the least" said the master
TO humor any man, and since the senior was
rather free with his speech l replied. For
my part would soon crack bottle"
Excellent" replied Zelaga, giving a
and taking McCallum by the arm. "Our
host will bring up bottle dating back to
seventeenth President from nova good
fellow who had the misfortune to be shot
in this very patio. After you, senior"
McCallum strode away across the court.
while Zelaga whispered in Carrera's ear
Two bottles were cracked, but Zelaga was
slow with his glass, and the master did the
wine more justice.
$50 the President did not deal well with
you. l am distressed"
NO" said the Scot, gloomily. 'He had
no use for me after keeping me hanging
about
1T is distressful; yes. surely so. But
my poor house, senor, is at your service,
my horses my ServantS-all."
You are too generous. All / ask is serv-
There is that estate" said Zelaga,
slowly
True, but I am no cattle man"
1T is large estate, and there are gauchos
malos who give trouble. l cannot say. but
it may be that small troop could be raised
to guard the property and a bold leader
you understand.
Il would prefer to lead cavalry. but
needs must when somebody drives. En-
senior, and | should be glad to be of use.
You speak of robbers-are there many?"
They give much trouble, much anx-
iety, but we will talk of them later-to-
morrow, perhaps"
"Manana! 1t is always tomorrow Even
with the President, who fears conspiracy.
Doubtless you have heard"
"a conspiracy against the President! I'm
possible! But your glass, senior, it is
empty"
'"rhat is easily rectifed But there is
another form of emptiness and the master
sighed heavily as he grasped the glass in an
unsteady hand.
''You were talking of the President
THE emptiness OF the heart, senior, when
the senOrita one loves is cOld-the emptiness
of the pocket. Ah il is hollow world
hollow and the master tilted the empty
bottle
THE President is a man so beloved no
on would plot against him. You are mis-
'"rhe President, he is an idiot let me tell
you. When L asked him why he did not
suppress the conspiracy he answered Ma
nana'-tO-morrow. Always tomorrow,
when the time is to-day-you understand
senor?''
The senor looked disturbed. To-day"
he stammered. THE President will act to-
day"
The master laughed loudly. 1.-The Presi-
dent is an idiot. you take my word for it,
| was speaking, senor." continued Mccall
lum, with great gravity, ''Of what l would
do If | were President. | should string up
the conspirators to-day and inquire into
the conspiracy tomorrow.
Zelaga looked sour. Doubtless the Pres
ident took you more into his confidence,
since he told you so much.
mo sir. Your President seemed to regard
conspiracy as natural relaxation, a lit
tie hoiday-making. II amuses the other
side and doesn't hurt him. Savez my
friend. But why waste time. About this
troop of horse you are raising. Show them
to me, and If there is any man lick
them into shape ii is Malcolm McCalum,
master of Collmore, the best cavalry leader
out of Scotland this day." and the speaker,
standing mp, struck his heels together and
twirled his mOustache.
'Mananai' said Zelaga. suavely. when
I have consulted my friends
The senior left, and McCallum, very up
right, thundered for the landlord, and went
with slight stagSer to his room.
lie Will suit us WE'LL IL was Zelaga,
and he was talking to the .senorita Isabelle
and her cousin. Il say he will suit US.
But we must get him away, for he is a fool
in his speech, however good as a soldier"
rs ne good a soldier" asked Rodri-
quez.
''In Venezuela the troops swore by him.
Be sure il is better to have him on our
side
And where is he now?' asked the
senorita.
ASLEEP. like the pig he is" muttered
Rodriguez.
"Ah. well senorita." said Zelaga. "these
soldiers OF fortune have "A weakness
"A filibustero." said the senOrita, scorn-
N md a IVrra arH