The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-08-14
CHAPTER TX.
The Price of Liberty.

4AloIt an dUDdElliOn lIOAll the AONtE NOI III
than the representative of a holy relig-
iOus order. There was evil in his very
countenance. He meant no good for me,
and, as for trusting him. I could look
for nothing but deceit and treachery
from him.
This is Senior Harvey, 1 believer" he
asked. and a cunning smile crossed his
features.
4 think we have met BEFORE" I re-
piled, and need no introduction"
Yes, we have met before" he re
peated, with curl OF his Lip, but un-
der different circumstances"
From your choice, not mine" I an
swered.
No; not from my choice. Senior Har-
vey." he said slowly. for I have no
| choice but to do the work there IS for
me to do"
1t is your choice that you elect to
be a spy and dog my footsteps, ques-
ton my servants, and seek TO pry into
my private business
1T Is but my duty, or is made my
duty, when you set yourself against an
authority which is supreme. and gives
me no choice but 10 watch you. I
warned you once. but you did not heed
,
feet and ask my supplication On your
behalf"
"Neveri'' I cried.
THAT would be a brave thing for you
to say. senor." he replied. with a grim
smile, did you know what you are
saying. You are In Mexico, and not in
the States. You are young. too, and
have the impetuosity of youth. which
may excuse you somewhat. But do you
| not think that 1t would be an inglorious
| thing 70 starve in a dungeon?"
Your threats are but the artihce Of a
coward and a sneakr I replied.
Careful, senior; 1 shall remember
what you say"
We'll, then, what do you want?" I
| demanded. Have your say, that may
be rid Of you. Your presence is de
| cidedly obnoxious 70 me-"
'Senor Will do we'll to curb HIS tongue,
| or I may choose not to talk 10 him.
/ in which case my going would be a mis-
/ fortune he will have reason TO regret"
81 will hear you" replied impatient
/ ~, but I warn you TO be brief, for II
I am much more provoked by your
Overbearing ways, I cannot couch that
! I viii not lay hands upon you. monk
though you are"
"Nombre de Dios. IS It not enough
that you once fell upon me and nearly
killed me2"
1T is probably my misfortune that
/ you were not killed. I suppose that !
owe IL TO you that have been arrested
and am kept here a prisoner"
/ Il have been instrumental in having
/ you brought to the notice Of the com
handing officers. When you find out
what influence 1 have you Will respect
me more. The church Is all powerful.
and its priests are the pillars Of its
strength. Even as lOwly a one a. I ara
may come TO make terms with presi-
/ dents"
His seIf-confdence and conceit were
very evident.
Your name is Fray Ignominious?" !
asked.
Even so. The degraded one"
The shameful. the contemplate. the
dishonorable oner' cried,
| who. though marked with ignominy
vet shall rise TO power he added. as
| though not needing me.
And why am I indebted to you for
| this visit?" I asked.
He smiled, and I could see the cum
ming IN his face. He felt that he had
men in his power: and. like the low-bred
wretch that he was, was disposed 10
play with me for a while.
You are impudent, senior. and would
first humble you. What is one Ameri-
can In the great state OF Mexicoi
What Is one insignificant mortal that
f he should never return 70 his OWL
country, anyone would ever inquire as
TO his fate? And should anyone INQUIRE
| 1c r-gY1 fHFuly arvyt hing mould ,
ed? There are dungeons which never
give up their secrets; there are those
| who serve as jaflers who never tell what
they know. There Is no law to punish
| when there is no one to accuse: and
there IS no one 70 accuse when sIIenc,
alone answers. No, Senior Harvey. vol
| would be lost TO the world. Ha. Ia
ha! You defy one poor monk. and yo,
defy the holy church"
! Wretch" I cried. do you not know
that you are now in my power? Wha
Is 20 hinder my striking you down wber,
YOU stand. Say, what excuse have yo,
for living?"
ITO seek out such heretics as Won ar
and destroy them ne Kissed.
"Be about your business. then; 7 an
waiting"
You speak boldly for one who is
prisoner"
"A prisoner" I replied. DO YOU thinl
1 cannot effect my escape?"
What would your escape profit YOU
Do you not know that the whole guar,
Of the city would be on your track
Do you think you could find shelte
IN a single house-a hiding place IN al
Mexico where you would not be huntet
down Ike any wild beast? Alread,
| everything you have done is known
your interview with Senior Melrose-you
quarrel in the pulqueria-your visit {
Don Carlos house"
And Eupposing this is all known
you say II tsp
You spoke OF escape; II is TO shov
you that you are watched-that IT 1
impossible for you TO escape"
Then what more would you have d?
/ asked.
1T is in my power 10 offer you lib
erty," he replied. You have engage
yourself in a business that is no affai
of yours. and which. even II success
ful. can profit you nothing. You did no
consider the risk. or count the cost
. / You can see what you bargained fol
! | You have so far but made enemies, an
involved yourself In quarrels-killed on
man The law demands your life.
Even II you escape the penalty o
the law. there are those who are swor