The Washington times., 1904-09-25
CHAPTER XIV.
Dangers Threaten.

The next morning, when I went to my
room for a short nap. after being up
with Mr.. Melrose all night, / found @
note on my table. 1t was brief. saying
merely Nthat I was to be arrested, and
that the writer, as a friend. wished TO
warn me- so that 1 could make my
escape. 1t was written in very poor
Spanish. and was signed anonymously.
was ot a loss 90 know who could
have writers it, I inquired of the serv-
ants If any one had been at the hotel
TO see me. There had been no one, nor
had they seen any one enter my room.
1t occurred 20 me that Martin might
have written the note. He did not come
10 the hotel that morning.: so later in
the day / went out to find him. showed
him the note and asked him if he had
any idea who wrote It,
I thought ] saw his countenance
change, but ne denied any knowledge Of
the note-although if he had written It.
could not imagine why he should wish
TO deny the fact.
1T may have been the senorita." he
suggested.
she would have found opportunity
to speak TO me- 1 replied.
"WeH. L don't know" he said peev-
ishly you viii leave here, viii you
one who knows what is up. and wishes
to befriend you"
Il do not know what shall do, I
replied.
1T is not likely that any one would
have written the note unless he knew
that you We're to be arrested he ar
gued. 81 don't suppose 1 could set you
a passport: but I might try. You'd bet
ter go without one. YouH be just as
safe" he continued. in a way which
seemed TO intimate that he would Ike
to have me go.
81 have not asked you TO procure me
a passport" I replied. somewhat pro
voxed. believing that il was for his
own safety that ne wished me TO leave
the country What is mere" 1 con-
tinued. II don't intend TO ask any IA
vors of you. III go or stay. just as 1t
pleases me to do"
You can do that, or whatever else
you like. for all I care" he retorted,
sulIenly 1T is not likely that you can
long escape arrest. Probably Don Luis
informed on you"
Don Luis did not inform on me-" I
answered quickly.
II had thought the matter over be
fore this. and had arrived at the con-
cIusion that Don Luis would not wish
Paseo 20 come to light. For that Of
tense. he was liable 70 court-martial,
and so. as it were. each Of US feared
the other for the information he pos
eessed. Besides, it was q personal
matter between us. and 1 believed Don
Luis desired a meeting
you can believe what you please"
Martin answered. You asked me
about the letter, and only gave you
my opinion
Before could say anything more he
had turned and left me.
Soon after. when I had returned 20
the hotel, met the senorita and asked
her about the note, though y had been
confident all the time that she knew
nothing about it.
"A note2'' she asked, showing some
surprise.
Eyes. one which was left in my
room"
'sNo. senior, I would not write notes
TO a gentleman who had not first writ
ten to me-" she replied, with assumed
gravity. and then with a little laugh,
quickly turned and left me
She was very charming. Her way
of answering pleased me very much
so much that I felt quite happy all
the rest of the day, in spite of the oni-
nous warning OF trouble ! had received.
I afterward found her in Mr.. NIelrose's
room, and spent a pleasant hour there.
I said nothing more about the note.
and was inclined to disregard 81, re-
menbering what she had said about Ia
Puebla being a safe place for rs. Later
IN the day. however. I thought IT might
be well for me 20 see Don Cortinia- II
there was a probability that / would
be arrested, he might know OF tho fact.
At least, his advice would be worth
needing.
Don Cortinia lived In the Gale de
Eercaderes. but having never been TO
his house, 7 experienced some difficulty
IN finding H. II would seem that the
rich and poor live in such near neigh
borhgOd that the entrance 20 what ap-
pearcd 10 he poor mans shop led
into the rich mans palsce-or. rather.
tho palace was over the shop.
went by the door twice before
discovered the house for which I was
looking 7 found Don Cortinia at home.
and showed him the note had received.
Il should say that II was undoubtedly
meant As a warning" he said. Though
as 20 who wrote IL I have no idea. II
may be well for you 10 heed g."
but why should 7 be arrestedT" 7
asked.
'senor asks strange questions" ne re-
piled. with a smile why should senior
not be arrested2"
I understood him and made no reply.
II do not say what you should do" he
continued. but / would advise you TO
leave the city for the time being. There
are many here who. 90 put Il mildly. are
not favorable to Americans You may
find the rabble at your heels some day
when you walk along the streets. A